THE FAMILY of a Southampton graduate doctor who disappeared during a shift have released a statement.

Dr Rose Polge, 25, who supported the recent strike action taken by junior doctors, went missing on February 12, and is said to have left a note referring to health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

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

In a statement Rose's family and her boyfriend, who are aware of the development, said: "We appreciate the continued love and support that we have been receiving.

"We do understand the reasons for the media interest, however, we would like to ask the press for privacy following this tragic news and while we await confirmation of identification."

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 a massive search, including her boyfriend and members of her family.