FORENSICS officers were last night scouring a wooded area in Purbeck for clues in the search for missing mum-of-four Samantha Henderson.

Police were seen shining floodlights into the undergrowth on the side of the A351, close to Norden farm, Purbeck, as the force steps up the search for the 25-year-old mum-of-four, who was last seen in Corfe on Wednesday. 

This morning, a spokesperson for Dorset Police said Samantha's whereabouts were still unknown. 

Searches will continue today. Updates from the search here

The force spokesperson confirmed Dorset Police detectives have been granted a further extension until Tuesday evening to question a 27-year-old man who was arrested on Friday on suspicion of murder.

Last night, six police cars partially blocked the road as officers cordoned off a section of wooded area by the side of the carriageway. 

Shortly before 8pm a scientific investigation van arrived and forensics officers could be seen examining the scene.

Speaking at the scene, critical incident inspector Andrew Allkins said: “I can confirm police are here in relation to the disappearance of Samantha Henderson.

“Enquiries to date have led us to this particular location.

“Forensics officers are at the scene and will be throughout the course of the night.”

Matt Clarke, manager at the bed and breakfast at Norden Farm, said there had been a strong police presence in area throughout the weekend.

He said several officers and sniffer dogs have been out searching paths, woodland and fields surrounding the farm.

He said: "There were some police vans and some undercover police cars. They went down the paths with the dogs in the afternoon."

The 33-year-old said everyone in the village was devastated by Samantha's disappearance.

"Nothing like this goes on around here," he said.

"I've got a six-year-old little girl and I know how much she loves her mum. Samantha has four children. It's just really sad."

On Friday a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder.