Man arrested in high-profile Australian disappearance

A man has been arrested over the disappearance of an Australian woman whose case has gripped national attention for a month.

Samantha Murphy was last seen leaving her home in East Ballarat, Victoria, for a morning run on 4 February.

It led to a massive search operation, but authorities have found no trace of the 51-year-old mother of three.

A 22-year-old man was taken into police custody on Wednesday. He has not been charged.

He was arrested at his house in Ballarat - roughly 115km (70 miles) northwest of Melbourne - said Victoria Police, adding their investigation "remains ongoing".

On the day of her disappearance, Ms Murphy was seen on security cameras in her driveway wearing a maroon running shirt and black leggings.

After she failed to return that afternoon, authorities began scouring nearby areas and examining thousands of hours of CCTV footage.

She was known to run in local bush areas called Canadian Forest and Mount Clear, which have been the focus of searches by hundreds of community volunteers.

Ms Murphy's phone, Apple watch and headphones - which she was carrying at the time - have not been located.

Her family has continued to appeal to the public for any information regarding her case, describing her as a strong woman who would be determined to return home.

"Mum we love you so much and we miss you. We need you at home with us. Please come home soon," her daughter Jess Murphy said.

Police have previously told the public they believe "another party" or "a number of people" may have been involved in the disappearance.

They also warned that it was "very doubtful" that Ms Murphy was "still alive".

"Unfortunately, given the time, and the fact we have found no trace of her, we do have severe concerns," Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt told reporters on 23 February.

However, detectives have also appealed for anyone who sees Ms Murphy to come forward.