Samantha Eastwood missing: Tearful sister of midwife pleads for her to 'come home where you belong' as search continues

Chloe Chaplain3 August 2018

The sister of a missing midwife who was last seen leaving work in Staffordshire last Friday has made an emotional appeal for her safe return, describing her as “harmless and gentle”.

A man was arrested in connection with the disappearance but has since been released under investigation.

On Friday, a week after her sister was last seen, tearful Gemma Eastwood pleaded for anyone with information about Samantha to get in touch with police.

Missing: midwife Samantha Eastwood who was last seen leaving work at Royal Stoke Hospital at 7.45am on Friday
PA

“We all love you and miss you very much we just need you home where you belong,” she said.

Describing her sister as a “fantastic woman and friend” she said Ms Eastwood had been “determined to become a midwife from a young age” and that she was a “amazing" at the job.

She added that she was “caring, harmless and gentle. Warm and generous with a great sense of humour”.

Plea: Gemma Eastwood, sister of missing Samantha Eastwood, flanked by Detective Superintendent Simon Duffy (right) and Family Liaison Officer Scott Bradbury
PA

Gemma, clearly overwhelmed with emotion, said through tears: “I just want to say if she is out there or if anyone knows where she is just please get in touch, get her home”.

Police have searched a number of addresses for traces of Ms Eastwood, who was last seen in her uniform leaving work and driving off in her car after a night shift.

A 32-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent arrested in connection with her disappearance has been bailed under investigation, while inquiries continue.

CCTV: Samantha (left) was last seen leaving work
PA

On Wednesday, Staffordshire Police released CCTV of Ms Eastwood leaving work with a female colleague, before driving off alone in her Volvo car at 7.47am.

It is hoped releasing the footage may jog memories, and help lead police to her.

Several locations are now being searched and the public are urged to report any sightings of vehicles parked in "strange locations", isolated areas, or lay-bys.

Samantha: She is not believed to have taken any money with her
PA

Detectives have also said she had left her bank cards at home and is believed to have "no access to money".

He car was found parked on the driveway at her house.

Detective Superintendent Simon Duffy, head of the force's major and organised crime team, said the fact Ms Eastwood had no cash or access to a vehicle is "ramping up the concern" and that "nothing is off the table", in terms of the investigation.

Detectives said they are aware of a report of neighbours hearing a scream in the vicinity of Ms Eastwood's address at about 2pm on Friday.

Misssing: Screengrab from CCTV footage dated 27/07/18 issued by Staffordshire Police which shows missing midwife Samantha Eastwood, 28, driving her Volvo XC60 out of the car park at Royal Stoke University Hospital at 7.47am
PA

Ms Eastwood is described as white, approximately 5ft 3in, of medium build, with shoulder-length ginger hair, brown eyes and a fair complexion with freckles.

Mr Duffy added that she had been in a relationship and engaged, but it had been broken off earlier in the year and she is currently single and living alone.

Ms Eastwood has worked as a midwife for six years, with chief nurse at the Royal Stoke Liz Rix describing her colleague as a "much-loved and valued" staff member.

North Yorkshire Police has also shared the appeal as Ms Eastwood had holidayed in Whitby earlier in the year.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police.

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