A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the disappearance of Purbeck woman Samantha Henderson.

The 25-year-old vanished from her home in Corfe Castle on Wednesday – prompting a major police search.

On Friday evening Dorset Police confirmed that the force had arrested a 27-year-old man from Corfe Castle, who was known to Ms Henderson.

Detective Inspector Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Sadly, our concerns for Samantha are so grave that we have today, Friday, January 23, 2015, arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of her murder. However, we do not know at this time her whereabouts.

“Officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries in the area and this evening further searches have been made near to where Samantha was last seen.

“Our investigations are focused on establishing exactly what has happened to Samantha between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. I would ask anyone who has seen or heard from Samantha since Wednesday afternoon to contact us.

“We strongly believe that Samantha may have come to harm and I would like to hear from anyone who we haven’t spoken to already and who may have information that could assist us."

Ms Henderson, described as 5ft 3ins tall with blonde hair and of very slim build, was last seen at 4.30pm on Wednesday wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans and slippers.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 22:63. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.