Image copyright Devon and Cornwall Police Image caption Rose Polge had not been seen since February

A body believed to be that of a missing junior doctor has been found, police said.

Rose Polge, 25, who worked at Torbay Hospital in Devon, has not been seen since 12 February.

A woman's body was recovered from the sea east of Portland Bill headland in Dorset on 1 April, police said, but it has not yet been formally identified.

Dr Polge's family have been informed said the Devon and Cornwall force in a statement.

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

In a statement, the force said: "Police are currently working on the belief that the body is that of 25-year-old missing person Rose Polge, from Torquay.

"Devon and Cornwall Police are working with Dorset Police and the Coroner's Office on this matter, and await the results of the formal identification."

Image caption A search operation was carried out by police, coastguard and fire service staff

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 confirmed that Rose Polge works there as a junior doctor. "We will do whatever we can to support the authorities," a statement said.

Monday 15 February - Colin Smith, from Royston Hockey Club where Dr Polge used to play, 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 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