Still missing: Samantha Henderson

Detectives searching for 25-year-old Samantha Henderson from Corfe Castle have released CCTV footage of her the day she disappeared.

Samantha, of Halves Cottages, was reported missing at 8.43am on Thursday 22 January.

The last confirmed reported sighting of the mother-of-four was at around 3pm on Wednesday 21 January 2015 outside Corfe Castle Primary School in East Street.

Following initial investigations, a 27-year-old man from Corfe Castle who is known to Samantha, was arrested on suspicion of her murder. However, her whereabouts are unknown.

Detectives leading the major investigation have today, (26 January), released CCTV footage and images of Samantha in The Sweet Shop in The Square in Corfe Castle at 11.41am on Wednesday 21 January.

It shows Samantha in the clothing she was seen wearing outside the primary school later that afternoon – a pink jumper or coat and light blue jeans. She had her long blonde hair up in a ponytail.

Senior investigating officer Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We have not found Samantha yet and are gravely concerned about her, fearing that she may have come to some harm.

“We are releasing this CCTV footage taken on Wednesday morning, which is day she was last seen. I am urging anyone who may have information about what happened to Samantha or who saw her after 3pm on Wednesday to please get in contact with Dorset Police.”

Officers are also appealing for the public’s help in tracing the movements of Samantha’s car between 3pm on Wednesday 21 January and 5pm on Friday 23 January. It is a blue Peugeot 307 Estate with the registration HV04 ZFM.

DI Devoto continued: “I would like to thank the public for all their help and the information we have received so far.

“I am very keen to hear from anyone who may have travelled along the A351 and in the Corfe Castle area between 3pm on Wednesday 21 January 2015 and 5pm on Friday 23 January 2015 and captured their journey on CCTV or cameras in their cabs, cars or on their motorbike or bicycle helmets. This footage may be very useful to my investigation and I urge you to call me.”

Extensive investigations are ongoing, including forensic experts examining Samantha’s home address in Corfe Castle. Searches are also being carried out in the Corfe Castle village area.

DI Devoto continued: “Our search for Samantha is continuing and we are desperate for any information about her whereabouts.

“Samantha’s disappearance is completely out of character as she has never gone missing before leaving her four young children who are aged one, two, four and six.

“We urgently want to hear from anyone who has seen Samantha after 3pm on Wednesday 21 January 2015, had contact with her whether by phone or social media or has any information of her whereabouts.

“We are keeping an open mind about what may have happened to Samantha but are fearing the worst. We need the public’s help and anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, should call Dorset Police as soon as possible.”

Samantha is described as white, five feet three inches tall, of a very slim build and with long blonde hair.

Detectives this morning were granted a further extension until 5pm on Tuesday evening to question the 27-year-old man who is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting Operation Cavalier. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.