Family of midwife Samantha Eastwood thank everyone for their support

The family of Samantha Eastwood from Stoke-on-Trent has today thanked all those who supported them over the past week.

They said:

Officers have confirmed a body of a woman, discovered on rural land during a cordoned off search for the missing midwife, is believed to be that of Samantha, pending formal identification.

The body has now been removed from where it was found and a post mortem examination will take place today to work out how she died.

A murder investigation is underway, with three men remaining in custody.

The scene in Caverswall will remain cordoned off while forensic examinations continue.

Detective Superintendent Simon Duffy said: