The murder of Glasgow teacher Marelle Sturrock has sparked a major police operation.

A search is underway for Marelle's fiance, David Yates, who is wanted in connection with the incident.

Police have revealed Marelle was 29 weeks pregnant at the time of her death and the unborn baby did not survive.

Sunday, April 23

Police confirm David Yates was last spotted near Mugdock Park around 8pm on Sunday evening.

Tuesday, April 25

Officers were called to a property on Jura Street around 8.40am on Tuesday morning following reports of concern for a woman.

The body of a 35-year-old woman was discovered inside the property, which police first described as 'unexplained'.

Glasgow Times:

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for a woman at a property on Jura Street in Glasgow shortly after 8.40am on Tuesday, April 25.

“Officers attended and the body of a 35-year-old woman was found within.

“Her death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.”

Meanwhile, around 11am, a serious police search of Mugdock County Park near Glasgow got underway.

Police helicopters were spotted circling the park and officers confirmed they were searching for a missing person.

 

 

Wednesday, April 26

On Wednesday morning, officers confirmed that the search of Mugdock Park was connected to the death of a woman on Jura Street.

Glasgow Times:

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Kelly said: "We were made aware of concern for a woman at a property on Jura Street in Glasgow shortly after 8.40am on Tuesday, April 25.

"Officers attended and the body of a 35-year-old woman was found within.

"Her death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries remain ongoing.

"Officers have been carrying out extensive searches of Mugdock Country Park in relation to a missing person in the area.

"This is being treated as linked to the death at Jura Street and enquiries remain ongoing.

"Our thoughts are very much with everyone affected by this tragic incident."

Glasgow Times:

The woman was later named as primary school teacher Marelle Sturrock, who was pregnant at the time.

A letter was sent to the families at Sandwood Primary School where she worked.

Marelle was originally from the Highlands but moved to Glasgow when she was 17 to pursue a career in the performing arts and later became a teacher.

Police later confirmed that Marelle's death was suspicious and clarified that the search of Mugdock Park was for a missing man, later revealed to be Marelle's fiance David Yates.

Glasgow Times:

 

Thursday, April 27

On Thursday morning, the headteacher at Sandwood Primary School Fiona Donnelley penned a touching tribute to Marelle after her tragic passing.

She described the young teacher as lovely, kind, and a much-loved member of the school community.

The flag at Sandwood Primary was flown at half mast in honour of Marelle. 

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow Times:

Flowers began to appear outside the Jura Street property where she was found, with one student writing, "I will miss you loads."

A heavy police presence remained at Mugdock Park amid the ongoing search as divers were spotted arriving to search the water.

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow Times:

Officers also remained outside the Jura Street property.

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow Times:

 

3.30pm

Glasgow Times:

Police release a statement confirming that Marelle was murdered and that they are hunting for David Yates in connection with the horrific killing.

They also confirm that Marelle was 29 weeks pregnant and her baby tragically did not survive.

At a press conference, Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane revealed that David Yates was last seen near Mugdock Park around 8pm on Sunday night.

This is an ongoing police incident and will be updated as new information becomes available.