POLICE have confirmed that the body found in the search for Samantha Henderson is that of the missing mother of four.
The body found in a lake near Hamm Common at Hamworthy, Poole, on Friday, was formally identified by Samantha’s family this afternoon.
The latest update from Dorset Police confirmed that the searches in Hamworthy and the Norden area had now concluded and the only active scene was now Samantha’s home at Halves Cottages in Corfe Castle.
The force said it the search of the home ‘would take a few more days’.
Detectives reiterated their thanks to the public for their patience during the searches and are renewing their appeal’s for recent sightings of Samantha’s car.
A post mortem on the body earlier this weekend showed evidence of a violent attack to the head and neck.
Senior investigating officer Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said yesterday: “This afternoon a post mortem was carried out on the body recovered in Hamworthy. It confirmed that the victim had suffered a violent assault that appears to have been focused on her head and neck.
“Detectives are confident the body is that of Samantha Henderson, the 25-year-old mother-of-four from Corfe Castle missing since last week.
“Although we have recovered a body and a man is charged with murder, it is still vital that people come forward with any information that could help us build a picture of exactly what happened.”
Samantha was reported missing at 8.43am on Thursday, January 22. The last confirmed sighting of her was at around 3pm on Wednesday January 21, outside Corfe Castle Primary School in East Street.
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw her blue Peugeot 307 estate, HV04 ZFM, near Corfe Castle or Ham Common between 3pm on Wednesday January 21 and 5pm on Friday 23.
DI Devoto said: “Samantha’s death has understandably shocked local people, who have rallied around her family, friends and neighbours in both Corfe Castle and her original hometown of Poole.
"Her close family are being supported and regularly updated by specially trained family liaison officers. They have asked for privacy at this sad time.
“I would like to thank the public for their ongoing support to officers carrying out this investigation and their patience while we conduct searches. Their continued caution on social media is also appreciated and important, as inappropriate comments could cause further hurt to her family or potentially prejudice future criminal proceedings.”
Samantha’s partner Dominic Isom, 27, of Corfe Castle, has been charged with her murder. He pleaded not guilty at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 30 January and has been remanded in custody to stand trial on July 13.
Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting Operation Cavalier or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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