Body found in search for missing midwife
Detectives searching for missing midwife Samantha Eastwood have found a body and made three arrests.
The body, which is yet to be formally identified, was found in Caverswall, about 10 miles from Stoke-on-trent, where Ms Eastwood was last seen.
A 32-year-old man arrested last Sunday on suspicion of kidnap has been rearrested on suspicion of murder.
Ms Eastwood, 28, was last seen leaving Royal Stoke University Hospital at 7.45am on July 27.
Two other men, aged 28 and 60, are being held on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Detective Superintendent Simon Duffy, from Staffordshire Police, said: “The discovery today is not what anyone wanted, and this is now a homicide investigation.”
Police said forensic teams are at the scene and will remain there for some time, confirming a post-mortem will take place later.
Chief nurse Liz Rix described Ms Eastwood as “an absolutely dedicated and committed midwife” and a much-loved part of the team.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this time,” she said.
Neighbours told police that around 2pm on the day she went missing a scream was heard near her home.