Hockley residents may have noticed a large police presence in the village today as officers continue searches in connection with the Patricia Finnie disappearance investigation.

Police began carrying out searches at Hockley Woods yesterday as they issued an update on their investigation into the 2017 disappearance of Southend mother Patricia Finnie.

Patricia was 64 when she went missing six years ago, on May 11. 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.

Essex Police arrested a man in his 70s on suspicion of murder yesterday in connection with their investigation into Patricia's disappearance, which they are now treating as a homicide.

The man remains in custody today and police are continuing their searches at the large woodland in Hockley.

Residents may have also noticed a large police presence near the Bull Inn. Police have now confirmed this is the meet point for the teams involved in the search activity.

A spokesman said there will be a decently-sized police vehicle presence in that area today and possibly tomorrow, as searches will likely continue over the next few days.

Officers were also carrying out enquiries at an address in Linnet Close, Shoebury, yesterday in connection with their investigation.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, head of major crime, said yesterday: “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.

“Patricia disappeared on 11 May 2017 and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

“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.”

People can report any information through a special online portal which has been set up: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020122Q36-PO1 

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