Ex-fiance ‘not suspect’ as midwife body found
to all the people who followed Samantha’s story and tried their best to help.”
Speaking from the home of her mother Carol, 59, in Macclesfield, Cheshire, Ms Eastwood’s sister Gemma, 26, said they would not be adding to the statement.
Devastated
But neighbours said the well-liked family had been left devastated by Ms Eastwood’s death.
One, who wished not to be named, said: “They are absolutely and utterly heartbroken as you can only imagine. It’s just the saddest outcome imaginable.”
About a dozen police officers could be seen searching the home of Samantha’s ex-fiance’s brother-inlaw Michael Stirling, 32, yesterday. Detectives were also believed to be at the home of Mr Stirling’s parents Carol, 57, and Stephen, 60.
Ms Eastwood had been due to marry Mr Peake, 34, in June but their engagement was called off after their relationship broke down. Her wedding dress was recently put up for sale online.
Ms Eastwood was last seen on CCTV leaving work after her night shift at Royal Stoke University Hospital at 7.45am on July 27.
Chief nurse Liz Rix, of University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, yesterday paid tribute to the midwife. She said: “Sam, who had worked as a midwife at Royal Stoke for six years, was a muchloved and valued member of the maternity service.”