Karen Barton (left),
whose body was discovered in Chartham on Sunday and her sister
Phoebe (right) who police continue to search for in connection with
the death.

Police revealed today they are hunting the
missing sister of a woman found stabbed to death in
a field.

Officers want to trace 49-year-old Phoebe Barton in connection
the murder of her sister Karen, 51.

Video: Police speak at
scene of murder investigation

Phoebe, of Highland Road, Chartham, hasn't been seen since 7pm
on Saturday.

It follows the discovery of her sister's body in a green
space off nearby Rentain Road, known as Pickett's
Field at 12.40am on Sunday.

Officers said Karen was found by dog walkers exercising their
puppy before they went to bed.

Today, detectives formally named the victim and issued
this snap of her sister in a bid to find her.

Det Ch Insp David Withers, who is leading the murder
investigation, said: "We believe that Phoebe can help us to
understand how Karen died and the events leading up to her
death.

"People who know Phoebe may be able to help with information
about where she is and we would also ask those living in the area
to check any outbuildings on their property."

A post mortem examination was held yesterday and the cause of
death has been given as stab wounds.

A knife - believed to be the murder weapon - has been
recovered.

Police have been scouring the village looking for clues
since Sunday.

The search has included the river Stour which runs through
Chartham.

Anyone with
information should contact Kent Police on 01622 690 690 or
call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.