DETECTIVES investigating the disappearance of a mother of four from Purbeck have appealed for the public’s help in tracing the movements of her car.

Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man who has been arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.

Samantha Henderson was reported missing at 8.43am on Thursday 22 January 2015.

Police were advised that she had left her home in Halves Cottages in Corfe Castle at 4.30pm on Wednesday 21 January 2015. The last confirmed reported sighting of Samantha was at around 3pm on Wednesday 21 January 2015 outside Corfe Castle Primary School in East Street.

Following initial investigations, a 27-year-old man from Corfe Castle who is known to Samantha, was arrested on suspicion of her murder. However, her whereabouts are unknown.

Detectives leading the major investigation are now appealing for the public’s help in tracing the movements of Samantha’s car.

Detective Inspector Mark Samuel, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We have not found Samantha yet and are gravely concerned about her, fearing that she may have come to some harm. Our search for Samantha is continuing and we are desperate for any information about her whereabouts.

“We have seized Samantha’s car from her home address but are very keen for any information about the movement of it between 3pm on Wednesday 21 January 2015 and 10.25am on Thursday 22 January 2015. It is a blue Peugeot 307 Estate with the registration HV04 ZFM.

“Anyone who has seen this car during the week being driven or parked somewhere should contact Dorset Police. All calls will be treated in strictest confidence.”

At the time when Samantha was last seen, she was said to have worn a pink jumper or coat and light blue jeans. She is believed to have been wearing her long blonde hair up in a ponytail.

Extensive investigations are ongoing, including forensic experts examining Samantha’s home address in Corfe Castle. Searches have also been carried out in the area surrounding Halves Cottage, including a nearby common area and allotments. Aerial searches have also been carried out in the Corfe Castle area by the NPAS helicopter.

DI Samuel continued: “We have obtained a Magistrate’s extension for the custody of the arrested 27-year-old man on suspicion of her murder which currently runs until tomorrow morning.

“Samantha’s disappearance is completely out of character as she has never gone missing before leaving her four young children.

“We urgently want to hear from anyone who has seen Samantha after 3pm on Wednesday 21 January 2015, had contact with her whether by phone or social media or has any information of her whereabouts.

“We are keeping an open mind about what may have happened to Samantha but are fearing the worst. We need the public’s help and anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, should call Dorset Police as soon as possible.”

Samantha is described as white, five feet three inches tall, of a very slim build and with long blonde hair.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting Operation Cavalier. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.