Police are believed to be searching for the fiancé of pregnant teacher Marelle Sturrock following her death. The 35-year-old was found dead after police were called to a property in Glasgow on Tuesday morning.
Detectives said that they were investigating her death as “suspicious”. A large-scale search for a missing man has since been launched in the city’s Mugdock Country Park, which is linked to Marelle’s death.
It is understood that the missing man Police Scotland were searching for is David Yates, Marelle’s fiancé. On Tuesday a heavy police presence was seen at the park, including police dogs and a helicopter, the Mirror reports.
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Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Kelly said: “Our thoughts are with Marelle’s family and friends, as well as everyone affected by this tragic incident. We are providing her family with support at this incredibly difficult time as our investigation to establish the full circumstances continues.
“A visible police presence will remain at both locations as our work continues. There is not believed to be any risk to the wider public but I would urge anyone with information or concerns to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0904 of April 25 or speak to any of our officers.”
Marelle, who was a teacher at Glasgow’s Sandwood Primary School, lived with her fiance David Yates, with the pair getting engaged in 2015. A letter was sent to staff and parents of pupils at the school after the popular teacher's tragic death, reports the Daily Record.
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."
The night before her body was found Marelle shared a photo on social media where she was seen smiling with friends as they sat at a restaurant table and were looking at the menus. Ms Sturrock was from Wick in the Scottish Highlands, but moved to Glasgow when she was 17 to pursue a career in the performing arts. She later became a primary school teacher after completing her post-graduate diploma in education.
During lockdown, the couple launched an online group that encouraged people to join in with musical performances. Friend Alec Nicholson paid tribute to Marelle, 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."
He added: "It’s very shocking and we’re all struggling to comprehend how it’s possible. Just a lovely, lovely girl."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers have been carrying out extensive search activity at Mugdock Country Park in relation to a man who has been reported missing in the area. This is being treated as linked to the death of Marelle Sturrock searches remain ongoing in the area."
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