Katie Kenyon: Police confirm body found in forest is missing mum and head injuries cause of death

Police have confirmed that a body found in the Forest of Bowland has been identified as missing mum Katie Kenyon.

Lancashire Constabulary also confirmed the 33-year-old's cause of death from head injuries.

Ms Kenyon, from Padiham, Burnley, was last seen at around 9.30am on Friday April 22, when it is thought she travelled in a silver Ford Transit van which left Burnley towards the Bolton-by-Bowland area of Lancashire.

Police said officers discovered a body on Friday night in an area of the Forest of Bowland after receiving new information about where Ms Kenyon could be.

“We can now sadly confirm that the body found in the Forest of Bowland is that of Katie Kenyon,” Lancashire Police said in a update on Sunday afternoon (1 May).

“We found Katie on Friday following extensive searches and she has now been formally identified as the missing Padiham mum, 33.”

The police statement added: “A Home Office post-mortem examination was conducted yesterday and the cause of death was given as head injuries.

“Our thoughts remain with Katie’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. The family continues to be supported by our specially trained officers.”

On Friday, Andrew Burfield, 50, appeared by video-link from HMP Preston for a brief court hearing charged with the murder of Ms Kenyon.

Burfield, of Todmorden Road, Burnley, spoke only to confirm his identity during the seven-minute hearing at Preston Crown Court.

He was remanded in custody and a trial date was set for November 14.