Samantha Henderson
25-year-old Samantha Henderson was reported missing on Thursday (22 January). Dorset Police

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the disappearance of a woman in Dorset.

25-year-old Samantha Henderson was reported missing on Thursday (22 January). Her disappearance was described by police as a cause for "grave concern."

The suspect, who is from the village of Corfe Castle in Wareham, is currently being questioned by police as investigations into Henderson's disappearance continue.

"Sadly, our concerns for Samantha are so grave that we have arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of her murder," said Detective Inspector Neil Devoto. "However, we do not know at this time her whereabouts.

"Officers have been carrying extensive enquiries in the area and... further searches have been made near to where Samantha was last seen.

"Our investigations are focused on establishing exactly what has happened to Samantha between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. I would ask anyone who has seen or heard from Samantha since Wednesday afternoon to contact us," he said.

"We strongly believe that Samantha may have come to harm and I would like to hear from anyone who we haven't spoken to already and who may have information that could assist us."

Ms Henderson is described as white, five foot three inches tall, with a slim build and blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans and slippers.

A forensic examination of Ms Henderson's home is being conducted.