Police are searching for a man at a country park in Scotland after a schoolteacher was found dead nine miles away.
Marelle Sturrock, 35, was discovered at 8.40am on Tuesday in a property in Jura Street in Glasgow. Police Scotland said her death is being treated as suspicious.
Officers later descended on Mugdock country park, just outside the city in East Dunbartonshire, where they are searching for a man. DCI Cheryl Kelly said: “A visible police presence will remain at both locations as our work continues.
“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 inquiries remain ongoing.”
Kelly added: “Our thoughts are very much with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“There is not believed to be any risk to the wider public, but anyone with information or concerns can contact Police Scotland.”
Sturrock worked at Sandwood primary school in Glasgow, and parents were told of her death on Wednesday.
Headteacher Fiona Donnelly said in a letter: “It is with deep sorrow that I must inform you about the sudden death of Ms Sturrock, who is a beloved member of our teaching staff.
“I know that this will come as a shock to our school community, and we will do all that we can to support children, staff and families through what will be a difficult and challenging time.
“We have had support in school today from our educational psychologists, who will be here over the next few days to offer help and advice.
“I hope that you will understand that there are no other details that I can share at this time but wanted to let our families know the tragic news from the school.”
Sturrock’s colleagues raised concern for her safety on Tuesday morning after she failed to show up at work, according to reports.
The teacher was from the Scottish Highlands, but moved to Glasgow when she was 17 to pursue a career in the performing arts. She became a teacher at a primary school after completing her postgraduate diploma in education.
Alec Nicholson, a friend, paid tribute to Sturrock, saying she was an “exceptionally beautiful” and “kind” person.
He told the Mirror: “She was just an exceptionally beautiful human. I mean, of course anyone would say that about someone whose loss they’re mourning, but she really was incredibly special. So beautiful, so talented, but so kind.”
Nicholson added: “It’s very shocking and we’re all struggling to comprehend how it’s possible.
“She really was the very last person anyone could ever want to come to harm. Just a lovely, lovely girl.”
