Devastated neighbours have paid tribute to a pregnant Scots woman who was found dead at a house in Glasgow yesterday.
Police found the body of Marelle Sturrock, a teacher at Glasgow's Sandwood Primary School, in her home on Jura Street, Govan on Tuesday morning. The 35-year-old colleagues raised concern for her safety on Tuesday morning after she reportedly failed to show up at work.
Police were called to the property at around 8.40am and Marelle, from Wick, Caithness, was found dead inside. Officers are currently treating her death as unexplained.
Neighbours said they were shocked to hear of her sudden death. Alex Collie told the Record: “We have nothing but nice things to say about Marelle and her partner.
"They were both lovely people and very nice neighbours to have. Marelle was 6 and a half months pregnant and seemed really happy. They were often out in the garden and her partner played the guitar out there a lot too. They were always chatty and friendly.
"It’s awful what’s happened.”
Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, described the mum-to-be as pleasant and friendly. He added: “She would never pass you without saying hello. She was just a really pleasant woman, her partner came across the same.
“I’m sure she was due her baby in July and seemed really happy. We couldn’t believe it when we heard what happened. It’s really sad.”
Marelle was also a singer and actor who moved from Caithness to Glasgow to pursue a career in the performing arts at the age of seventeen.
She was known to perform with local theatre companies.
Several of her close friends changed their Facebook profile pictures to include her.
Writing on her profile, Christopher Beattie said: "Rest in peace, Marelle."
Police searching for a missing person over eight miles away at Mugdock Country Park in Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, said their presence is "linked" to the death of the mum-to-be.
Officers were seen swarming the woodland yesterday morning, with dog units and a helicopter in attendance. Images from the scene show a large section close to an entrance of the park taped off as the search operation continues for a second day.
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."
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