Marelle Sturrock murder probe: Cops find body in search for missing David Yates at Mugdock Park after death of teacher

COPS probing the murder of pregnant teacher Marelle Sturrock have revealed that a body has been found during their search for her missing fiance.

David Yates, 36, was being treated as a missing person after his partner Marelle, 35, was found dead at a flat in Glasgow they shared together.

Earlier today, police confirmed that Yates was suspected of murdering her as they continued searching for him.

They have been scouring parts of Mugdock Country Park today, which is around nine miles away from their home.

Officers have now revealed that a body of a man has been recovered from the Mugdock Reservoir today.

Formal identification has yet to take place but Yates’ family has been informed.

They added that the investigation remains ongoing but nothing has been established so far to suggest anyone else was involved in her death.

Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.

Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane said: “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.”

Detectives previously said that Marelle, who was 29 weeks pregnant, was last seen around 8pm on Sunday night.

Tragically, her unborn baby did not survive.

We told how she was pictured for the final time smiling while out for pizza with friends earlier that day.

During the hunt, a cordon was set up at several pathways around the loch with dog walkers and park users directed away from the scene.

Specialist officers were also seen unloading a van full of diving gear including diving cylinders, wet suits and three canoes in the area.

Nearby woodland was also being searched as a police helicopter patrolled overhead.

Two officers stood guard at a section of track across the water from Mugdock Castle where cops in forensic suits could be seen searching through the undergrowth.

Marelle – due to give birth in the summer – was a highly popular teacher at nearby Sandwood Primary.

It is understood that she left the Highlands when she was 17 to study musical theatre in Glasgow.

She later pursued her career as a teacher.

Her death has shattered the school community – with parents expressing their grief on social media.

Shocked locals told how they understood it was talented actress Marelle’s colleagues who raised the alarm early on Tuesday.

A flag outside the school building is flying at half-mast.

And floral tributes have been left outside her home in the city, one of the notes read: “I will miss you loads”.

Headteacher Fiona Donnelly released a tribute today following the devastating news, saying Marelle was a “lovely, kind and considerate person”.

She told how Marelle, who studied musical theatre, used her artistic talents across the school and was a key player in the success of school choirs.

And she revealed staff are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their much-loved colleague.

The touching tribute read: “Marelle has been a much-loved member of our school community since her probationary year more than six years ago and has taught many year groups throughout her time at the school.

“We will all miss her so much.

“She was a lovely, kind, diligent and considerate person who loved and made time for everyone.

“Marelle used her artistic talents across the school and was our music champion who has been a key player in the success of our school choirs; with one of her classes going to see her on stage at The King’s in one of her many acting roles outside of school.

“We are a school community in mourning and are devastated by the tragic news of her death and pass on our deepest condolences to her family and friends as we all come to terms with our loss.”

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