Katie Kenyon: Mum-of-two died of head injuries, police say, as body formally identified

1 May 2022, 17:09 | Updated: 1 May 2022, 18:05

The body of Katie Kenyon has been found and Andrew Burfield, 50, has been charged with murder
The body of Katie Kenyon has been found and Andrew Burfield, 50, has been charged with murder. Picture: Lancashire Police/Alamy

By Daisy Stephens

Lancashire police have confirmed that a body found in the Forest of Bowland has been identified as Katie Kenyon, and said she died from head injuries.

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Ms Kenyon, 33, 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.

On Sunday afternoon, the force tweeted: "We can now sadly confirm that the body found in the Forest of Bowland is that of Katie Kenyon.

Read more: Body found in search for Katie Kenyon believed to be missing mother

Read more: Katie Kenyon: Man charged with mother-of-two's murder learns trial date

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

"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."

Ms Kenyon was last seen on April 22
Ms Kenyon was last seen on April 22. Picture: Lancashire Police

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.

Andrew Burfield will appear in court in November
Andrew Burfield will appear in court in November. Picture: Alamy