Cops confirm body found is ‘murdered’ mum-of-two Katie Kenyon and she died of head injuries
DETECTIVES have confirmed that missing mum Katie Kenyon died from head injuries the day after discovering a body.
Katie, 33, was last seen at 9.30am last Friday, leaving a home in Burnley with a man before travelling in a silver transit van.
Officers launched a probe into her disappearance last week, but then upgraded it to a murder investigation.
Cops confirmed that a body found in Forest of Bowland, Lancs, was the missing mum.
A Home Office post-mortem found that she had died as a result of head injuries.
A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We can now sadly confirm that the body found in the Forest of Bowland is that of Katie Kenyon.
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"Police found Katie on Friday following extensive searches and she has now been formally identified as the missing Padiham mum, 33.
"Our thoughts remain with Katie’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. The family continues to be supported by specially trained officers.
"A Home Office post-mortem examination was conducted yesterday and the cause of death was given as head injuries.
"We would like to thank, once again, all those who helped during the search for Katie."
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Andrew Burfield, 50, of Todmorden Road in Burnley has appeared in court charged with Katie’s murder and will be face trial in November.
Cops this week said they were working on the basis that the mum-of-two was no longer alive and Andrew Burfield, 50, was charged with her murder.
He appeared at Preston Crown Court, and a trial date was fixed for November 14 but no pleas were entered.
Burfield was remanded in custody to appear at the same court on August 22.
In a tragic development Lancashire Police confirmed they had found the body of a woman after receiving "new information".
Tributes have poured in for much-loved Katie, with friends and family paying their respects.
Katie's sister, Jenny, wrote on Facebook: "Will love you forever and always my beautiful big sister."
She added: "Can’t thank everybody enough for the support you have all shown for beautiful Katie and Katie’s beautiful children."
A close friend said: "I can’t even tell you how devastating this has been to a family who are so tight knit.
"Katie, you are absolutely beautiful, you are so loved by your sisters, your mum (your absolute twin joined at the hip!) your nieces, nephews, your entire family. But most of all, your children.
"Gorgeous gorgeous girl! An absolute diamond and clearly loved by so many people."
Another wrote: "Such a beautiful lady - so so sorry - was keeping everything crossed for a different outcome - hope justice is served."
Someone else added: "Definitely the worst news ever to wake up to.
'BELOVED MUM'
"Fly high Katie you beautiful woman!"
It comes after Katie's family yesterday paid tribute to the "beloved" mum as they launched a page to raise funds for her children.
They wrote: "On Friday the 22nd April, our heartbreaking nightmare began when our Katie was taken away from her children and family far too soon.
"We as family are putting together this justgiving page for Katie to have the best send off that Katie deserves & for Katie's son and daughter & their future to fulfill Katie's dreams she had planned with her children.
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"As we know you all want to help, this would be the most appreciated way. Any donations will be truly, gratefully received.
"Thank you for all your kind words and support. We know you're all behind us."
