Rose Polge: Washed-up body confirmed as junior doctor

Rose Polge had not been seen since February

A body found washed up in Dorset has been formally identified as missing junior doctor Rose Polge, police said.

The body of Dr Polge, 25, who worked at Torbay Hospital in Devon, was recovered from the sea east of Portland Bill headland on 1 April.

The doctor's car was found in February at Ansteys Cove near Torquay, the town where she worked.

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed Dr Polge has now been formally identified.

The force said in a statement: "Following formal identification, officers have confirmed the woman's body recovered from the Dorset coast on Friday 1 April is that of Rose Polge.

"Rose's family have been informed and they request their privacy at this very difficult time."

Susan van de Ven, a friend of the Polge family and Liberal Democrat county councillor in Melbourn, where the family lives, said: "It's absolutely devastating news and an enormous loss for so many people, and not least the loss of Rosie herself - for the life she had ahead of her.

"My thoughts are of course with her family and her friends."

Dr Polge was reported missing from Torquay on 12 February.

Police, the coastguard, the RNLI and Dartmoor Search and Rescue were involved in the search.

The BBC understands that a note found in Dr Polge's car related mainly to personal issues, but included a passing reference to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

It is understood Dr Polge had been an active campaigner against plans to change working hours and conditions for junior doctors, and in January posted a new Facebook profile picture, featuring the hashtag #NotFairNotSafe.

Timeline of events

Friday 12 February - Rose Polge's car is found in a car park near Ansteys Cove in Torbay

Saturday 13 February - The family and boyfriend of Dr Polge join more than 100 people searching the area around Ansteys Cove

Sunday 14 February - Torbay Hospital confirms that Rose Polge works there as a junior doctor.

Monday 15 February - Colin Smith of Royston Hockey Club, where Dr Polge played, said: "We just don't know what we can do."

Tuesday 16 February - Dr Polge's family release a statement saying they are "overwhelmed" by the support from her friends and colleagues

Friday 19 February - Police announce hunt for Dr Polge has been scaled down, saying there is "no structured search going on"

Friday 1 April - A woman's body is recovered from the sea east of Portland Headland in Dorset

Monday 11 April - Police announce the discovery and say relatives of Dr Polge have been informed

Monday 18 April - Police confirm the body is that of Dr Polge