Scottish woman found dead in suitcase was going to meet 'American friends' in area where she was found

Greek police are trying to locate the “American friends” a Scottish woman said she was meeting in the area where her body was found.

Elisabeth Jane Ross, also known as Lisa, was found dead inside a suitcase by a homeless man in an abandoned building in the district of Kypseli in Athens on Saturday, July 18.

It had previously been reported that the 38-year-old had travelled to the city from the United States, but Greek police later confirmed that she had travelled from the UK on June 29.

The Edinburgh-born woman was staying with friends in the suburban town of Keratsini, almost a 40-minute drive away from the area where her body was found.

It is understood that Ms Ross informed those she was living with of plans to meet “American friends” in the Kypseli area on July 15.

Detectives are now working to verify whether she did plan to meet the “American friends” and identify the individuals.

Journalist Eleni Karanikola Kontorousi told STV News that the multi-cultural area is “not very popular” with tourists.

She said: “I wouldn’t describe it as a traditional tourist area.

“However, in recent years, it has attracted a decent number of visitors mainly because of the growth of short-term rentals like Airbnb.

“And its proximity to the centre of Athens as well.”

Forensic pathologists have determined that Ms Ross died between five and seven days before she was found.

A cause of death is yet to be established; however, homicide investigators are leading the enquiry.

A spokesperson for Greek police said on Thursday: “We are awaiting the result of toxicology tests to determine the cause of death, and ascertain whether foul play was involved.”

The results of further forensic tests and toxicology reports are due in the next month.

Detectives believe the woman’s mobile phone was being used after her death. A Facebook profile created in 2012 that appears to belong to Ms Ross says it was last updated six days ago.

Greek police have requested information from UK authorities to assist with their enquiries.

Detectives are also working to trace the 38-year-old’s movements through the Attica region of the country.

A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of the death of Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece.

“Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.”