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RIP SAM

Samantha Eastwood’s devastated ex-fiance and family lay flowers for tragic midwife

John Peake and Gemma Eastwood remained outside Samantha's home in Stoke-on-Trent for around 10 minutes this afternoon

SAMANTHA Eastwood's devastated ex-fiance and grieving loved ones returned to her home this afternoon to lay a floral tribute.

John Peake and Gemma Eastwood were accompanied by police liaison officers in unmarked cars at around 4.40pm in Stoke-on-Trent today.

John Peake former fiancé of murdered midwife Samantha Eastwood visiting her house with flowers
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John Peake former fiancé of murdered midwife Samantha Eastwood visiting her house with flowersCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Gemma left a bouquet of sunflowers in green wrapping on the doorstep of her sister's property.

She then spent around 10 minutes reading other heartbreaking tributes, before taking some of the cards with messages on them.

The pair left together in the same white unmarked police car holding more flowers, as they were taken to another location.

Their emotional visit comes after John's brother-in-law was charged with her murder – more than a week after she told a colleague she was being threatened.

Sister Gemma Eastwood arriving at her sisters house this afternoon
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Sister Gemma Eastwood arriving at her sisters house this afternoonCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Dozens of tributes have been left outside Samantha's home
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Dozens of tributes have been left outside Samantha's homeCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Sister Gemma Eastwood arriving at her sisters house on Greenside Ave in Stoke on Trent, where she laid flowers and read tributes
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Sister Gemma Eastwood arriving at her sisters house on Greenside Ave in Stoke on Trent, where she laid flowers and read tributesCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Gemma crouches to look at floral tributes and cards left at Samantha's home
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Gemma crouches to look at floral tributes and cards left at Samantha's homeCredit: PA:Press Association
Two nurses from the Royal Stoke Hospital lay a floral tribute for their work colleague, Samantha
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Two nurses from the Royal Stoke Hospital lay a floral tribute for their work colleague, SamanthaCredit: PA:Press Association

Police were probing claims that Michael Stirling, 32, fell out with the midwife, 28, whose body was found near Stoke.

He was arrested along with his 60-year-old father Stephen, who is being quizzed for possibly assisting an offender.

Victim Samantha Eastwood and ex John Peake, seen with his sister Katie and her husband Michael Stirling (right)
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Victim Samantha Eastwood and ex John Peake, seen with his sister Katie and her husband Michael Stirling (right)

A body found on wasteland on Saturday was confirmed to be Samantha’s. The 28 year old had been missing eight days.

And according to the , Samantha told a co-worker at Royal Stoke University Hospital she had been threatened before her disappearance.

A source told the paper: “Samantha asked one of her colleagues to report it if she didn’t turn up for work.

Michael's father Stephen Stirling, 60, has also been arrested
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Michael's father Stephen Stirling, 60, has also been arrested

“And that is what happened on the Friday night, that is why the police were called so quickly.

“She must have feared something like this would happen – that’s why she set up this raising the alarm thing with her colleague.”

Michael, a fencing worker, married his wife Katie who is the sister of Samantha’s ex John Peake, 34.

Cops arrested Michael on suspicion of kidnap last week.

Fencing worker Michael Stirling, whose wife Katie is the sister of Samantha’s ex John Peake
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Fencing worker Michael Stirling, whose wife Katie is the sister of Samantha’s ex John Peake

He was nicked again following the grim find at Caverswall, near Stoke-on-Trent.

Floral tributes were left at Samantha's home
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Floral tributes were left at Samantha's homeCredit: Caters News Agency

Samantha went missing after finishing work at Royal Stoke Hospital at 7.45am on July 27.

When she failed to turn up for work at 7pm, a ward colleague called cops within 20 minutes to report her missing.

She and John Peake had been due to marry in June but the wedding was called off in January without explanation.

Just weeks ago she put her dress up for sale for £400.

Michael Stirling's property was searched by cops
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Michael Stirling's property was searched by cops
Samantha was last seen leaving work - she is on the left with a green handbag
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Samantha was last seen leaving work - she is on the left with a green handbagCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

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Samantha’s family thanked the public for their support, but asked to be left to grieve.

Mums who had Samantha as a midwife posted tributes praising her for making their births so calm.

Sister Gemma Eastwood, 26, was in tears as she made a public appeal last week
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 Sister Gemma Eastwood, 26, was in tears as she made a public appeal last weekCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Where Samantha's body was found
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Where Samantha's body was found
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