THE family of Samantha Henderson, whose body was found in a Poole lake, have paid tribute to the “kind, happy and fun-loving” mother-of-four.

The 25-year-old Corfe Castle woman was reported missing on Thursday, January 22, sparking a massive police hunt.

Her body was found on Friday, January 30, in the lake near Ham Common in Hamworthy and her 27-year-old partner Dominic Isom, of Corfe Castle has been charged with her murder.

Her devastated family have now broken their silence to pay tribute to Samantha and thank the public and police for their support.

A statement from the family states: “Sam was a kind, happy, fun-loving and outgoing person. She loved being a mother and doted on her four young children. They desperately miss their mummy.

“We are all devastated about what has happened and are still struggling to come to terms with our loss.

“We have gained strength from the many members of the community who rallied together to help in the search for Sam and have been so kind with their words and offers of help. It has not gone unnoticed.

“We would also like to thank all the officers from Dorset Police who have been involved in the investigation and the family liaison officers who have supported us along the way.”

Isom pleaded not guilty at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, January 30, and has been remanded in custody to stand trial on July 13.

Police are still keen to hear from anyone who saw Samantha’s blue Peugeot 307 estate car with the registration HV04 ZFM being driven in the areas around Corfe Castle and Ham Common between 3pm on Wednesday, January 21, and 5pm on Friday, January 23.

Senior investigating officer Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s major crime investigation team, said: “I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who travelled between the A351 Wareham flyover, Blandford Road, Lake Road and Lave Drive in Hamworthy between 7.50pm and 9.10pm on Wednesday, January 21, and 6.30am and 8am on Thursday, January 22, and captured their journey on CCTV in their lorry cabs, dashboard cams in their cars or vans or head cams on their motorbike or bicycle helmets.

“This footage may be very useful to our investigation and I urge you to call me and let our officers determine whether it is of importance.”

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting Operation Cavalier or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.