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
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Stunning Ancoats favourite Street Urchin closes after ‘heartbreaking’ health emergency
Danny Jones
The stunning Ancoats restaurant and Manchester favourite, Street Urchin, has announced its sudden closure following a serious health emergency.
Opened by partners Kevin and Rachel Choudhary back in 2019, the inventive dining room has been a firm favourite among local foodies and those visiting Manchester for some time.
However, following the awful news that co-founder and head chef Kevin has recently suffered a heart attack, the city centre food spot has sadly had to close its doors, seemingly for good.
Informing diners and longtime fans online, Rachel confirmed, “We are unable to continue as a business”, adding that they are simply “heartbroken” by the turns of events.
Known for endless creativity and famous experimental dishes over the years, including a viral squirrel dish, Street Urchin has been one of the most envelope-pushing kitchens in the area for some time.
Writing in the caption, Rachel said: Thank you to our amazing team who supported us over all the years and continued to do so in these dark times. Thank you also to our suppliers, we never thought this would happen. We’re so sorry x”
Reacting to the news, local artist Painted By Courtney replied: “This is so sad, I’m so sorry to you both. Forever one of my favourite dining experiences in Manchester.”
Various names from across the Greater Manchester hospitality scene, including the likes of Tameside’s Cafe Continental, have joined in sharing their sadness and heartfelt support, with the Stalybridge spot simply adding: “Sending love. A remarkable place!”
Their menus boasted all the style, quality and flavour of a fine dining establishment without any of the haute cuisine pomp and traditional culinary trappings.
Put simply, they delivered great food served in an efficient market diner fashion. We, along with countless other Greater Mancunian foodies, absolutely loved this place.
It goes without saying that everyone at The Manc Group is shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news; we hope Kev makes a full and fast recovery, and our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.
Manchester City fans appeal to Pep Guardiola ahead of planned protest at Wolves game
Danny Jones
A number of Manchester City fan groups have come together to appeal to the club and Pep Guardiola in particular ahead of a planned protest at the Etihad Stadium over season tickets and matchday prices this week.
Man City are set to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League this Friday, but with the title now wrapped up and just European football left to secure (not a certainty but still expected), plenty of Blues’ attention has turned to the pressing issue of further impending ticket changes.
Not only are prices going up once again, and season tickets still somehow increasingly scarce/difficult to secure, even despite plans to increase the stadium’s capacity already underway, four different supporters organisations have come together to pen an open letter to Pep personally.
Quoting Pep’s own comments on wanting the stands to be more “alive” on matchday, they begin by writing: “With that in mind, we ask you for one more favour.”
Open letter from 4 groups to Pep Guardiola. The final line is a play on words of our banner earlier this season. In Catalan it says "Pep Guardiola you want US to stay" pic.twitter.com/amatwXkawB
The direct address urges the Catalan coach to implore club CEO, Ferran Soriano, to “do one more good thing” and reconsider their current stance on ticket policies and pricing, with the ‘Flexi-Gold Season Tickets’ advent alone causing considerable controversy.
Leading supporters organisation, The 1894 Group, goes on to add: “The stadium is growing by 8,000 next season and the fans want the club to bring back some real season tickets so that the generational links can be protected.
“The amount of season ticket-holders in the stadium has been shrinking. When fans cannot attend games the club then cannot resell those tickets because they are priced too high. We think the club has time to rethink two issues: season ticket availability and matchday pricing.
“We want the same things as you. A powerful club, with a loud atmosphere in the stadium. Surely the most important thing is to ensure there are no empty seats inside the Etihad?”
Insisting that the Etihad buzz will never reach the heights that Pep has cried out for in recent times, if they do not create better avenues for younger ‘Cityzens’ to attend games and ensure that “generational links can be protected.”
1894 Group are also spearheading a campaign to give a proper send-off to club legend Kevin De Bruyne, who revealed that he wasn’t offered a new contract before deciding to leave at the end of this season.
The day that Blues hoped would never come has arrived…
Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will be leaving #ManCity. 🥺
Warning that those at the club will not “get the atmosphere you crave if you do not think again” and take their suggestions on board, the overarching goal was put in the simplest terms: “no empty seats inside the Etihad Stadium.”
As for the planned peaceful demonstration itself, a boycott of seats is scheduled to take place before the Wolves fixture at 8pm on Friday, 2 May.
It’s unclear how many in attendance will participate in the protest, but with adults facing £88 and kids up to £58, those inside the ground will no doubt echo their stance.
With Lionness and former Man City Women player Esme Morgan even coming out to criticise the new restrictions regarding season tickets, the profile of this protest is definitely increasing.
The Manc -
27th April 2022 
