COPS in Staffordshire have today launched a murder investigation after finding the body of missing midwife Samantha Eastwood in a secluded forest this afternoon.

Specialist teams made the grim discovery in Caverswall, Stoke-on-Trent today - shortly before arresting a 32-year-old man in connection with her death.

The midwife had not been seen since she finished work at Royal Stoke University Hospital on Friday, July 27.

A nationwide search was launched after worried family members alerted police when she failed to return for her next shift.

Staffordshire Police confirmed they had discovered a body at around midday today, with a 32-year-old previously released on bail now re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

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

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

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."

Liz Rix, Chief Nurse at the hospital where Samantha worked, confirmed her death on Twitter before paying tribute to the "much loved and valued" midwife.

She wrote: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague Samantha Eastwood.

"Sam will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with her family and friends during this time.

"Sam, who had worked as a midwife at Royal Stoke for six years, was a much loved and valued member of the Maternity service."

Pictures showed officers searching grassland using sticks as the hunt steps up, with locals claiming officers have been in the area for a few days now.

Nigel Potts, 55, said: “There’s a disused quarry about a quarter of a mile away from here and a team of police have been down at the bottom of the road, near the quarry this morning.

“It seems to be their main focus of the search. The quarry can be accessed from a number of places I think."

An elderly neighbour of Samantha's added: "Its absolutely crushing news, she seemed like such a lovely young woman.

"It's the stuff of nightmares and my heart aches for her family. It has deeply upset me and others around here, I can't believe it. We will all miss her, she was a great neighbour."

Samantha vanished last Friday just days after trying to sell her £400 wedding dress online following the breakdown of her relationship with John Peake.

The mystery surrounding her disappearance deepened this week after cops spent four days outside Mr Peake's sister's house.

Katie Stirling lives there with her husband Michael and police would only confirm that the property was being treated as a "crime scene".

Samantha's desperate sister yesterday made a heartfelt plea to help find her and described her sibling as a "warm, friendly, loyal and generous" person.

Breaking down, she added: "Samantha is a happy, bubbly and smiley woman. She can be very straight and direct.

"She is my best friend and partner in crime. Without her half of me has gone. Samantha, if you are listening please get in touch.

"We all love you and miss you very much. We just need you home, where you belong.

“Samantha is a fantastic woman and friend. She is warm, friendly, loyal, kind and generous, with a great sense of humour.

“And whoever she is with, she will always make their time together fun. Samantha was determined to become a midwife from a young age and succeeded.

“All of Samantha’s work friends describe her as an amazing midwife."

Cops yesterday confirmed that the only item still missing was Samantha's purse and they are desperately trying to track it down still.

Samantha was last seen leaving Royal Stoke University Hospital last Friday morning and worried colleagues "knew something was wrong" when she failed to return for her night shift.

Cops launched a nationwide hunt for the “incredibly dedicated” medical professional and neighbours reported hearing screams from her home in Baddeley Green, Staffs.

Her concerned colleague, chief nurse Liz Rix, described her as an “honest midwife” and said worried staff members are "praying" for her safe return.

Her former fiance also made a desperate plea for her safe return.

John, a railway enthusiast from Staffordshire, has shared a number of links to stories about her disappearance.

He begged in one post: "Please please help find Sam and bring her back safe to her family."

She was said to be in “good spirits” last Friday but her car was later found parked by her home with the keys still inside.

CCTV footage released by cops show the midwife and a colleague walking out of the hospital's maternity unit just after 7.45am on July 27.

In the images, Samantha is seen wearing blue scrubs and carrying a green handbag.

Further CCTV shows her driving her blue Volvo XC60 from the hospital car park heading towards the Hilton Road exit - this was the last time she was seen.