A man aged in his 70s has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a grandmother who went missing more than six years ago. Patricia Finnie was 64 when she was last seen in Southend at around midday on May 11, 2017, Essex Police said.
She was last seen in the Belle Vue area, having gone to visit a friend at an address in Riviera Drive earlier in the day. The circumstances of her disappearance have been reviewed by specialist detectives in the years since, and Essex Police are now treating the case as a homicide.
On Tuesday, a man aged in his 70s was arrested on suspicion of her murder, the force said. He remains in custody and an area of Hockley Woods is being searched, with work set to continue over the next few days.
Detective superintendent Rob Kirby, head of major crime, said: “Patricia is a mother and grandmother and her disappearance has had a really big impact on her family.
“They understandably have questions about what’s happened to her, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to provide them with answers.
“There is a team of dedicated detectives and staff working hard to establish what happened to Patricia and bring those responsible to justice.
“Her disappearance has been reviewed by specialist detectives. As a result of that review, they have concluded that Patricia is no longer alive and her death is being treated as a homicide.”
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Mr Kirby asked anyone with information about Ms Finnie to come forward. He said: “It is now six years ago but I believe people will have seen Patricia on May 11 and have information which will help give her family the answers they need.
“If you saw or have any information about what has happened to her I need you to come forward and tell us.”
People are asked to report information online at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020122Q36-PO1. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
