Three arrested after body found in missing midwife search

© N/A Her disappearance is out of character, according to police

A body has been discovered during a search for a missing midwife in Staffordshire, as it emerged three men have been arrested by police.

Samantha Eastwood, 28, was last seen when she left her night shift at the Royal Stoke Hospital at 7.47am last Friday.

A body was discovered by police investigating her disappearance around midday on Saturday and is yet to be formally identified ahead of a post mortem.

Staffordshire Police stated: "Specialist officers are supporting Samantha's family as this difficult time."

© N/A Her family is very close and police said their concern is growing

Detective superintendent Simon Duffy said: "The discovery today is not what anyone wanted, and this is now a homicide investigation.

"A 32-year-old man who was previously released on conditional bail, has now been re-arrested for murder, and remains in custody," DS Duffy added.

© N/A Samantha Eastwood was jovial when she left her shift on Friday morning

"Two other men, aged 28 and 60, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender," he said.

"I would like to thank the public for their support, and anyone with any further information is asked to contact us on 101."

On Friday Samantha's sister Gemma had made a tearful appeal for anyone with information about the disappearance to come forward.

She said: "We miss you very much, we need you home where you belong.

"Samantha is a fantastic woman and friend, she's warm, friendly, loyal, kind and generous with a great sense of humour and whoever she is with will always make their times together fun.

© PA Ms Eastwood has not been seen since she left work on Friday morning

"Samantha was determined to become a midwife from a young age and succeeded. All of Samantha's work friends describe her as an amazing midwife. She's caring harmless and gentle, she's selfless and would do anything for anyone before herself."

Images of Ms Eastwood's distinctive Radley purse, which is her only missing possession, have been released in the hope someone may have come across the item. Her bank cards have not been used.

© N/A Her distinctive purse could help with clues

Police are investigating reports of screaming coming from Ms Eastwood's home in the hours after she was last seen.

She was reported missing by colleagues when she didn't turn up for her shift on Friday evening at 7pm.