A man has been arrested in connection with the suspicious disappearance of Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy.
Police have revealed the 22-year-old was taken into custody at a home in Ballarat on Wednesday morning.
It’s understood the man is not connected to the 51-year-old or her family.
““He remains in custody, however no charges have been laid at this time,” police said in a statement.
The mother-of-three was last seen leaving her home to go for a run on February 4.
Despite a massive search involving police, emergency volunteers and members of the public there has been no sign of her since.
“Police have also spoken with a number of people already as part of this investigation,” police said.
“We understand that there is a continued high level of interest in this investigation and concern about Samantha’s disappearance, however it remains critical that any speculation does not impede any aspects of the investigation.”
Police also renewed their calls for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage that might be relevant to the investigation to contact them.
A police spokesperson said that at this stage, an address relating to the man’s arrest, and details of where he is being held, would not be provided.
The spokesperson said media interviews would also not be possible as the man remains in custody.
Anyone who sights Samantha is asked to call triple zero (000) immediately.
Anyone with any other information regarding her disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
