Detectives searching a rural area of Stoke on Trent for missing midwife, 28-year-old Samantha Eastwood, have confirmed that they have found a body.

The discovery was made at around midday today (Saturday 4 August) within the police cordon in place near to Caverswall.

Forensic teams are at the scene, and will remain there for some time.

The body has yet to be formally identified, and a post mortem will take place in due course.

Specialist officers are supporting Samatha’s family at this difficult time.

Detective Superintendent Simon Duffy from the force’s Major and Organised Crime Department said: “The discovery today is not what anyone wanted, and this is now a homicide investigation.

“A 32-year-old man who was previously released on conditional bail, has now been re-arrested for murder, and remains in custody.

“Two other men, aged 28 and 60, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.”

He added, “I would like to thank the public for their support, and anyone with any further information is asked to contact us on 101”

The family have asked that their privacy is respected.