MARELLE COPS FIND BOY

Horror find in reservoir is thought to be fiance of tragic mother-to-be Police wanted to trace partner over slaying of popular teacher in their home

- LYNN LOVE

POLICE have found a body in their hunt for the wanted partner of murdered mum-tobe Marelle Sturrock.

Detectives said the body is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be that of Marelle's fiancé, David Yates, 36.

The body was found during searches of Mugdock Reservoir on Thursday, police said.

Yates was wanted in connection with the murder of the 35-year-old teacher, who was 29 weeks pregnant.

An investigation remains ongoing but nothing has been established so far to suggest anyone else was involved in Marelle's death, police said.

Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane said last night: "Our thoughts are with Marelle's family and friends, along with everyone affected by this tragedy.

"We are providing her family with specialist support at this incredibly difficult time."

Marelle's body was discovered at her flat on Jura Street in Govan, Glasgow, on Tuesday morning after she failed to turn up for work.

Officers confirmed that her unborn baby did not survive.

Her fiancé was treated as a missing person and sparked a largescale search operation nine miles away at Mugdock Country Park in Milngavie, after his car was found nearby.

By yesterday afternoon, detectives confirmed they had launched a murder inquiry.

The last confirmed sighting of Yates was on Sunday evening, shortly after 8pm.

His car, a white Seat Ateca, was recovered at Mugdock Park on Tuesday morning.

Officers said there is nothing to suggest he left the area, but they were keeping an "open mind" as they continue their search.

Divers were pictured combing the park's reservoir yesterday. A stack of red kayaks and specialist equipment was unloaded from a police van.

Last night police cordons remained in place at some entrances to the park.