POLICE have this evening confirmed that a body found in a lake near Ham Common is that of mum-of-four Samantha Henderson.

She was identified by family.

A post mortem shows evidence of a violent attack to the 25-year-old's head and neck.

The searches in Hamworthy have concluded today, with the only active scene now being the detailed forensic search at her home address at Halves Cottages in Corfe Castle, currently expected to take a few more days.

Officers have renewed an appeal for sightings of the Corfe Castle woman’s car.

On Saturday evening, senior investigating officer Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said the post mortem at the weekend had confirmed that “the victim had suffered a violent assault that appears to have been focused on her head and neck”.

He said detectives were confident the body was that of Samantha, although formal identification by next of kin had not yet taken place.

He added: “Although we have recovered a body and a man is charged with murder, it is still vital that people come forward with any information that could help us build a picture of exactly what happened.”

Samantha was reported missing at 8.43am on Thursday, January 22. The last confirmed sighting of her was at around 3pm on Wednesday, January 21, outside Corfe Castle Primary School.

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw her blue Peugeot 307 estate, HV04 ZFM, near Corfe Castle or Ham Common between 3pm on Wednesday, January 21 and 5pm on Friday 23.

DI Devoto said: “Samantha’s death has understandably shocked local people, who have rallied around her family, friends and neighbours in both Corfe Castle and her original hometown of Poole.

“Her close family are being supported and regularly updated by specially trained family liaison officers. They have asked for privacy at this sad time.”

Flowers were laid at the weekend in the village of Corfe Castle as residents paid tribute.

By Saturday lunchtime 14 or so bunches of flowers, some with heartfelt tributes attached, along with candles, were laid on the town cross.

Yellow and white dahlias, pink and red gerberas and yellow roses were among the colourful floral tributes placed beside the cross. 

Overlooking the scene is the Sweet Shop where the young mum popped in to buy treats for her children. 
“She was always lovely,” said the lady behind the counter, who did not wish to be named. 

The partner of Samantha Henderson, Dominic Isom from Halves Cottages, Corfe Castle, pleaded not guilty to murder when he appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Friday. The 27-year-old was remanded in custody for a trial set for July 13.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting Operation Cavalier or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.