A MAN has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Patricia Finnie.

The 64-year-old woman went missing from Southend on May 11, 2017.

She was last seen at around midday in the Bellevue area having gone to visit a friend at an address in Riveria Drive earlier in the day.

The circumstances around Ms Finnie going missing has been reviewed by specialist detectives in the years since, and police are now treating her disappearance as a homicide.

Today (June 13), a man in his 70s has been arrested on suspicion of her murder, and he is in custody.

An area of Hockley Woods is also being searched and that work will continue over the next few days.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, Head of Major Crime, said: “As a result of that review, they have concluded that Patricia is no longer alive, and her death is being treated as a homicide.

“There is a team of dedicated detectives and staff working hard to establish what happened to Patricia and bring those responsible to justice.

“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.”

Det Supt Kirby added that he needs anyone with information about what’s happened to Patricia to come forward.

He said: “If you saw or have any information about what has happened to her I need you to come forward and tell us.

“If you don’t want to speak to us, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and remain 100 percent anonymous.”

If you have any information about where Ms Finnie is or what has happened to her, a report can be made through a special online portal which has been set up: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020122Q36-PO1.

To make an anonymous report, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.