A man has been charged with the murder of missing mother Katie Kenyon.
Lancashire Police said Andrew Burfield, of Todmorden Road, Burnley is due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court at 10am on Thursday.
The 50-year-old was originally arrested for kidnap before being arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ms Kenyon on Tuesday.
Ms Kenyon, a 33-year-old mother of two from Padiham, near Burnley, was last seen at around 9.30am on Friday 22 April.
It is believed she travelled in a silver Ford Transit van north from Todmorden Road towards the Bolton by Bowland area.
Ms Kenyon’s family were told that Burfield had been charged and were being supported by specialist officers.
The family thanked well-wishers but asked for people to respect their privacy.
Sarah Kenyon, sister of Katie, said on Facebook: “Receiving the most heartbreaking news this afternoon that our Katie is no longer with us, has been the worst this we had to ever hear.”
Police continued to search for Ms Kenyon on Wednesday, though they have said they believe she is dead.
A statement from Lancashire Police on Tuesday evening said: “While Katie has not yet been found, and the search for her is continuing, detectives are now working on the basis that she is sadly no longer alive.”
On Wednesday, officers from four separate forces searched the nearly 3,000 acre Gisburn Forest in Lancashire. Fire and rescue are also helping with the search which is expected to last until at least Friday.
A team was also sent to search Todmorden Road. A rubbish bin outside a shop on the street has also been taped off and is being guarded by police officers.
Anyone with information should call the police on 101, quoting log 800 of April 24, or you can contact them through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020119P01-PO1.
Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police search in Gisburn Forest
