A BODY has been found in the search for missing mum of four Samantha Henderson, police have confirmed.

The 25-year-old had been missing since last Wednesday with widespread and extensive searches for the missing mother of four taking place since last weekend.

The body was discovered in the lake of Ham Common around 1pm today.

It is thought to be that of Samantha Henderson and her next of kin have been informed.

Her Majesty’s Coroner has been made aware, although formal identification has not yet taken place.

The scene remains cordoned off while forensic investigators carry out their examinations. The search off the A351 near Corfe Castle is still ongoing.

Senior investigating officer Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Family liaison officers have updated Samantha’s family with today’s development. Clearly, this is a very difficult time for the whole family and they have requested privacy. Her children are being cared for by relatives.

“I would like to thank the public for all their help during this investigation and their patience and understanding, in particular the communities in the Corfe Castle and Hamworthy area who have seen a great deal of police activity over the last week.

“I am still keen to hear from anyone who saw Samantha’s blue Peugeot 307 estate car with the registration HV04 ZFM being driven in the Lake Pier and South Haven Close areas between 3pm on Wednesday 21 January 2015 and 5pm on Friday 23 January 2015 to contact me in confidence.

“I am urging anyone who saw anything suspicious in this area between the relevant times to get in touch.”

“I would also like to remind the public that certain legal constraints apply as a person has been charged in connection with this investigation. Therefore Dorset Police would hate for anyone to accidentally impact on the investigation or court case by posting well-intended but inappropriate comments on social media.”

He added: “It is important to stress – as is typical in such circumstances – that it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment further ahead of the trial. It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.

Detectives investigating the alleged murder yesterday launched new searches around areas at Lake Pier and South Haven Close at Hamworthy.

Officers and specialist teams have spent days searching woodland and lakes and water off the A351 at Norden.

Her partner, 27-year-old Dominic Isom, was charged with her murder on Tuesday afternoon.

Today, at Winchester Crown Court, he denied her murder.

Samantha, of Halves Cottages, Corfe Castle was last seen at around 3pm on Wednesday January 21, outside Corfe Castle Primary School in East Street.

She was officially reported missing the following morning.