A man has been charged with the murder of a mum who was last seen heading out on a run.

Samantha Murphy, 51, disappeared on 4 February, leaving her home in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, after heading out for her early morning exercise.

She had left around 7am, but has not been seen since and police have still found no trace of the mum of three.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday at his house, also in Ballarat, and he has since appeared in the local magistrates’ court.

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It followed extensive searches from local police and volunteers over the past month.

Police said the man deliberately attacked Ms Murphy on the day she vanished in a bushland area in which she was known to exercise, ABC reported.

However, the man is said to have failed to disclose the location of Ms Murphy’s body.

The last sighting of the mum was on CCTV, when she was seen wearing black leggings and a maroon shirt, ready for her run.

After she failed to return home later that day, authorities launched their hunt for her.

Her Apple watch, phone, and headphones, which she’d been carrying at the time, also remain missing.

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Ms Murphy’s disappearance has gripped Australia and even sparked some conspiracy theories over what took place.

Last month, her daughter Jess Murphy made an emotional plea for her to come home.

“Mum’s a really strong woman, and she’s far too determined to give up this fight. Mum, we love you so much, and we miss you. We need you at home with us. Please come home soon. I can’t wait to see you and to give you the biggest hug when I do,” News.com.au reported her as saying.

Following the arrest, Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt, of Crime Command, said: “Our thoughts today are with Samantha’s family and friends.

“I know that Samantha’s disappearance has had a profound impact on the Ballarat community and I want to thank all of those people who have assisted police in many different ways over the past month.”

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