Mother of Two Found Dead on Channel Island; Man Arrested for Murder
A 34-year-old woman's body was discovered at the base of cliffs on Alderney, prompting a murder investigation and the arrest of a 44-year-old man.
A mother-of-two was found dead at the base of cliffs on the small Channel Island of Alderney, leading to the arrest of a 44-year-old man on suspicion of murder. The body of Hannah Benfield, 34, was discovered in the sea on the western end of the island on Monday.
Guernsey Police stated that this is the first suspected murder case on Alderney in 30 years. The island has a population of just 2,167.
"Alderney is a small, close-knit community, and the impact of an incident of this nature on a community like that cannot be overstated," a police spokesperson said.
The force received a report after 11 p.m. on Sunday, prompting an emergency response involving the RNLI lifeboat to the cliffs known as The Guns. At 4:28 a.m. on Monday, a person was sighted in the water at the base of the cliffs by the Channel Islands Air Search. A joint rescue operation confirmed a woman had died.
The arrested man was initially treated in hospital before being taken into police custody. Guernsey Police are not seeking additional suspects and do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the wider community.
Investigators are appealing for dashcam footage from vehicles that traveled along Rue De Longis or other parts of the west of the island between 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Sunday, September 27.
Alderney is the northernmost of the Channel Islands, located 20 miles off the coast of Guernsey. It is known for its natural beauty, coastline, beaches, and wildlife. The island also features historical military fortifications from its occupation during World War II.
Alderney vicar Mother Samantha Martell described the incident as a tragedy that has "shaken" the island's close-knit community, emphasizing the need for residents to support one another. Derwent Smithurst, a member of the island's legislature, echoed these sentiments, calling the news "shocking" and emphasizing the community's strength.
Specialist family liaison officers are providing support to Ms. Benfield's family. Police have requested privacy for the family as they grieve.
