A BODY has been found in the search for a Southampton graduate doctor who disappeared during a shift.

Dr Rose Polge, 25, went missing on February 12, and is said to have left a note referring to health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

She supported strike action taken by junior doctors and supporters taking part in the search for her asked residents to keep looking.

A message written on a social media page organising searches for her said: “For the sake of Rose herself, for her family and friends, and for all those who love her and care about her, we must never forget, nor must we give up hope of finding this wonderful, caring and talented young woman.”

But on Friday, April 1, a female body was recovered from the sea east of Portland Headland in Dorset and police are currently working on the belief that it is Dr Polge.

A statement said: “Devon and Cornwall Police are working with Dorset Police and the Coroner’s Office on this matter, and await the results of the formal identification.

The family of Ms Polge are aware of this latest development.”

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, Dr Polge is a former medical student who graduated from Southampton University in July last year.

Her friends said she had complained of feeling stressed after working long shifts at Torbay Hospital, from where she disappeared.

Her car was found parked at Anstey’s Cove, near Torquay, Devon, and more than 100 people were involved in the massive search, including her boyfriend and members of her family.

Police have used divers and a drone in a bid to locate the missing medic.