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MURDER SUSPECT
Missing David Yates wanted over murder of pregnant fiancee Marelle Sturrock as cops confirm baby did not survive
COPS probing the death of pregnant teacher Marelle Sturrock in Glasgow have confirmed her missing fiance David Yates is suspected of murdering her.
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.
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Officers have been scouring parts of Mugdock Country Park, around nine miles away from their home, during the search for Yates.
A police dive team was spotted at the park in Milngavie during the manhunt today and his car was found in the area.
And cops have now confirmed that Yates is wanted in connection with the death of popular teacher Marelle, who was 29 weeks pregnant. Her unborn baby did not survive.
Detectives have revealed that Marelle was last seen around 8pm on Sunday night.
We told how she was pictured for the final time smiling while out for pizza with friends earlier that day.
Specialist officers were unloading a van full of diving gear including diving cylinders, wet suits and three canoes in the area.
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.
Nearby woodland was also being searched as a police helicopter patrolled overhead.
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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.
A mobile police unit was also at the scene.
Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane said: “A murder investigation is ongoing in relation to the death of Marelle Sturrock, 35, at Jura Street in Glasgow.
“Officers attended her home address shortly after 8.40am on Tuesday, 25 April and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Marelle was 29 weeks pregnant and I can confirm that sadly her unborn baby did not survive.
“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.
“Her partner David Yates is wanted in connection with Marelle’s death. At this time we have no information to suggest anyone else has been involved.
“His vehicle, a white Seat Ateca, was found at Mugdock Country Park on Tuesday and an extensive search has been ongoing in the area since.
“The last confirmed sighting of David was on Sunday evening shortly after 8pm. His subsequent movements are unknown after his vehicle was left at Mugdock Country Park but there is nothing to suggest he has left the area. We will keep an open mind on this as we continue to search the area.
“A visible police presence will remain at both Jura Street and Mugdock Country Park as our investigation continues.
“There is not believed to be any risk to the wider public. However, I would urge anyone with information or concerns to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0904 of 25 April or speak to any of our officers.
“Finally, I would like once again to express our condolences to Marelle’s family and everyone affected by this tragic incident.”
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.
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“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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