Lancashire Police has confirmed that the search for a missing woman from Burnley is still ongoing, but officers believe she is “no longer alive”.
33-year-old mother of two Katie Kenyon, from the Padiham area of Burnley, was reported as missing after last being seen last Friday 22 April, and more than 60 specialist search officers from four local police forces have been scouring parts of Gisburn Forest in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley.
Police confirmed that at about 9.30am on Friday, a woman matching Ms Kenyon’s description left an address on Todmorden Road in Burnley with a man, and travelled in a silver Ford Transit – with the registration MT57 FLC – to the Bolton-by-Bowland area of north Lancashire.
Ms Kenyon is described as white, 5ft 9in tall, and was last wearing a blue cardigan, a light blue and white top, black leggings, and flip flops.
Her family say that her disappearance is “out of character”.
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A man arrested on suspicion of the kidnap of Katie Kenyon has this afternoon been further arrested on suspicion of her murder.
Whilst Katie has not yet been found we are now working on the basis that she is sadly no longer alive.
Officers from the Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and North Wales police forces are currently searching the Gisburn Forest area – which is the largest wooded area in the county, measuring 1,200 hectares.
Police forces are being assisted by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team.
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A photograph of the van – which Ms Kenyon was last seen getting into, and has since been found in Burnley – has been released, and Lancashire Police is continuing to appeal for anyone who saw the vehicle, or has dashcam footage, to come forward with information.
It comes after it was confirmed on Monday (25 April) that a 50-year-old man, who was initially arrested on suspicion of her kidnap, has now been further arrested on suspicion of her murder, and detectives are this evening making a further application to Burnley Magistrates Court to continue his detention to 9pm tomorrow (Wednesday 27 April)
Katie’s family have been informed of the latest developments and continue to be supported by specially trained officers, Lancashire Police says.
The silver Ford Transit van that Katie Kenyon was last seen getting into, with the registration MT57 FLC / Credit: Lancashire Police
In the latest statement released, Lancashire Police says it is now “working on the basis that [Ms Kenyon] is sadly no longer alive”.
Det Supt Gary Brooks – Lancashire Police’s Head of Major Crime – said: “While I hold some slim hope that Katie may still be found alive I’m sad to say that Katie has now been missing for over four days and despite extensive police enquiries and media appeals, we have not found Katie nor have there been any sightings of Katie.
“We have spoken to Katie’s family today and they are understandably extremely upset by this latest development and I have officers continuing to offer them support.
“My thoughts are with them at this time.”
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He added that he is “really grateful” for all the help that members of the public have given so far, and says he continues to appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward and speak to officers.
“While we do have someone under arrest our enquiries are very much on-going.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log 800 of 24 April, or you can contact Lancashire Police through the Major Incident Public Portal. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Lancashire Police
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
27th April 2022 
