A man has been arrested over the disappearance of Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy.

The 22-year-old Ballarat man was arrested about 6am on Wednesday at his home, Victoria Police said.

He was yet to be charged as of Thursday morning.

The 51-year-old mother of three left her home at Eureka Street in Ballarat East on February 4 to go jogging and has not been seen since.

Wednesday’s arrest came after reports this week police had finally received data showing all those people whose mobile phones pinged in the area, about the same time as Murphy’s phone.

In statement released Thursday morning, Victoria Police said the investigation was still ongoing.

“Despite a significant investigation and extensive searches of the Canadian Forest area, no trace of the 51-year-old has been located,” it said.

“There are no further updates at the this time and the investigation remains ongoing.”

Late last month, police conceded it was unlikely Murphy would be found alive. Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt said police had an open mind about her disappearance but said it most likely involved one or more parties.

Police had earlier ruled out any type of medical episode and there was nothing to indicate she had left the area on her own accord.

“Unfortunately given the time and the fact we’ve found no trace of her, we do have severe concerns and are very doubtful that she is still alive,” Hatt said at the time.

Police had questioned several people about Murphy’s disappearance, including family, friends and colleagues. Hatt wouldn’t be drawn on the number of suspects, although he said her husband, Mick, was not a suspect “at this stage”.

Since Murphy’s disappearance, there have been extensive searches of the Canadian Forest area. But no trace of her has been found.

Earlier in the search, Murphy’s eldest daughter issued an impassioned plea for her mother to “come home”.

“Mum, we love you so much and we miss you and we need you at home with us; please come home soon,” 24-year-old Jess said, wiping away tears as she stood with her father.

“I can’t wait to see you and to give you the biggest hug when I do, and to tell you off for giving us so much stress.”

The month-long investigation has involved experienced detectives from across Victoria Police’s crime and counter terrorism command, as well as the missing persons squad, which is leading the investigation.

Investigators have reviewed about 12,000 hours of CCTV footage and following up more than 500 separate pieces of information.

– with AAP