Detectives investigating the disappearance of 54-year-old Wayne Woodgate from Tunbridge Wells have escalated the case to a murder investigation after locating a body in East Sussex.

Mr. Woodgate was reported missing on Thursday, 17 October 2024, after he was last seen entering a van on Goods Station Road. Kent Police had previously issued an appeal for information in hopes of finding him.

On Wednesday, 23 October, officers attended a rural location in Peasmarsh, East Sussex, where they discovered a body. While formal identification has yet to be completed, Mr. Woodgate’s family has been informed of the development.

A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody as detectives continue their inquiries.

To aid the investigation, police are appealing for motorists who may have travelled on the A268 between Peasmarsh and Four Oaks to provide dashcam footage. Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber emphasised the importance of footage from specific timeframes, particularly between 5:15 pm and 5:45 pm on Thursday, 17 October, and between 8:15 am and 8:45 am on Sunday, 20 October.

Detective Chief Inspector Kimber said, “We are specifically requesting any dashcam footage for these journeys, as well as CCTV and doorbell camera images. This material can be uploaded through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) using the provided online link.”

Anyone with additional information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact police on 01622 652006, quoting reference 46/179489/24. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or using their online anonymous form.

Police continue to appeal for the public’s assistance as they piece together the events leading up to Mr. Woodgate’s disappearance.