Detectives searching for 54-year-old Wayne Woodgate, who was reported missing from Tunbridge Wells, have now escalated the case to a murder investigation after the discovery of a body in East Sussex.
Mr. Woodgate had been missing since Thursday, 17 October 2024, when he was last seen entering a van on Goods Station Road in Tunbridge Wells. Kent Police had previously issued an appeal for information to help locate him.
On Wednesday, 23 October, officers responded to a rural location in Peasmarsh, East Sussex, where a body was found. Although formal identification is pending, Mr. Woodgate’s family has been notified of the discovery.
A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody while the investigation continues.
Detectives are urging anyone who may have dashcam footage from the A268 between Peasmarsh and Four Oaks to come forward. They are specifically seeking footage from motorists who traveled along the route between 5:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, 17 October, or between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, 20 October.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber said, “We are requesting any dashcam footage from these times and locations, as well as CCTV or doorbell camera images. Any relevant material can be uploaded via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP).”
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Kent Police at 01622 652006, quoting reference 46/179489/24.
