Murder victim in Alderney named as 34-year-old mother of two

The body of 34 year-old Hannah Benfield was found in the water off the coast of Alderney in the early hours of Monday morning (28 September). Credit: Guernsey Police

Guernsey Police have confirmed the woman who lost her life in Alderney on Monday (28 September) was 34-year-old Hannah Benfield, nee Cox.

She was a well-known island resident and mother of two.

In a statement, Guernsey Police said:

"Following the tragic incident in Alderney yesterday, 28 September 2026, Guernsey Police can confirm that the woman who sadly lost her life was 34-year-old Hannah Benfield, nee Cox.

"Specialist family liaison officers have been working closely with Hannah's family since the search and rescue operation concluded, and they have agreed to release her identity, and a photograph of her, to the public.

"The family has also asked that people respect their privacy as they take time to come to terms with what has happened."

Emergency services attended the cliffs around Alderney known as 'The Guns' in the early hours of Monday morning. Credit: ITV Channel

A 44-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday, and remains in police custody in Guernsey.

At 4:28am on Monday, Channel Islands Air Search reported a sighting of a person in the water at the base of the cliffs.

After a joint rescue operation, a woman was confirmed deceased.

Alderney is the third-largest of the Channel Islands, with a population of a little over 2,000 people. Credit: ITV Channel

Guernsey Police added:

"We'd again like to express its condolences to the family and to anyone else affected by this incident. Alderney is a small, close-knit community, and the impact of an incident of this nature on a community like that cannot be overstated.

"The police investigation into the incident continues, and officers would like to hear from anyone with relevant information, which can be reported directly to police headquarters on 01481 222 222."

The police are not looking for any more suspects and do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the wider community in Alderney.

Alderney's Vicar, the Reverend Samantha Hodges Martell, released a statement of condolences. Credit: ITV Channel

The island's vicar, the Reverend Samantha Hodges Martell, said "the full weight of what we've lost" has now become clear.

"She was one of ours: a neighbour, a mother, a friend to many. We didn't just lose a parishioner yesterday; like so many of you, I feel this loss personally.

"We hold her family close, especially in these coming days. There are no easy words for grief like this, only the promise that we carry it together, and that we don't have to carry it alone."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...