Police investigating the disappearance of mother-of-two Katie Kenyon are prioritising a part of the Forest of Bowland following a tip-off from a member of the public.

Additional “search and forensic scrutiny” is being applied to the area north of Blackburn, Lancashire Constabulary said.

The force also said it had received information on the sighting of a silver Ford Transit van – registration number MT57 FLC – last Friday. That was also the last day Ms Kenyon was seen.

“Katie’s family are aware of the development, although at this early stage it is too soon to say if the find is linked to her disappearance,” officers added.

They have previously said they are “working on the basis” that Ms Kenyon, 33, is “sadly no longer alive”.

Andrew Burfield, 50, appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning charged with her murder.

He is due before Preston Crown Court on Friday.

More than 60 specialist search officers from four police forces have been scouring forested areas looking for Ms Kenyon.

Officers from the Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and North Wales police forces are combing the area, assisted by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team.

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