Rose Polge: Body found off Dorset coast confirmed as missing junior doctor

The 25-year-old had not been seen since 12 February when she walked out of hospital in the middle of her shift

Dr. Rose Polge worked as a junior doctor at Torbay Hospital in Devon (PA)

A body found off the coast of Dorset has been confirmed as missing junior doctor Rose Polge, police have said.

The 25-year-old was last seen on 12 February when she left her work at Torbay Hospital in Devon mid-shift and did not return.

Her car was later discovered at a car park in nearby Anstey’s Cove and a hoodie believed to be hers was found on the beach.

Her body was recovered from the sea near Portland Headland in neighbouring Dorset on 1 April.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed she has been formally identified and her family had been informed.

In a statement, the force said: "Rose's family have been informed and they request their privacy at this very difficult time."

A massive search operation was launched following Dr Polge’s disappearance with more than 100 search-and-rescue personnel, friends and relatives scouring the coastline between Dorset and Devon.

In the week following her disappearance, her family released a statement, saying: "We would like to thank everyone for their help, hope and kind words. The support we have received from family and friends has been much appreciated, and clearly Rose is loved far and wide."

An inquest into the circumstances surrounding her death will now be held.

Additional reporting by PA