A FUND has been set-up for the young children of alleged murder victim Samantha Henderson.

Members of the devastated community of Corfe Castle have launched the online fundraiser with permission from Samantha’s mother.

The body of the 25-year-old was found in a lake near Ham Common last Friday after an intensive search by police officers.

Now, a group of four women who live in the Purbeck community have set-up the initiative to raise funds for her four children, aged one, two, four and six.

The youngsters are currently being cared for by relatives.

Organised primarily by Emily Jayne and Clare Tuck with help from Lisa Flockton and Emma Lacey, the fund has already raised hundreds of pounds since it was set-up on Wednesday evening.

Emily, 24, who was Samantha’s neighbour, said the young woman’s death had shocked and devastated the tight-knit Corfe Castle community.

“As well as neighbours we used to see each other on the school run. We both have children of similar ages”, Emily said.

“She was very friendly and bubbly and loved her children so much. She always seemed so happy.

“We’ve been talking about doing this for a few days but wanted to make sure Samantha’s family were okay with what we had planned.”

The online fundraising will be put into a private trust for the children, once the legal process has been finalised with the assistance of solicitors at Humphries Kirk, who are helping free of charge.

“We just want to try and raise as much as possible for these children”, Emily added.

“They are going to need so much.

“Most of us are still in shock about what’s happened. But we can at least try and help the children out. It’s just so sad.”

To donate to the fund go to gofundme.com/samantha_henderson.

Dominic Isom, 27, from Halves Cottages, Corfe Castle pleaded not guilty to murder when he appeared at Winchester Crown Court last week.