Hunt for fiance wanted after murder of pregnant school teacher in Glasgow

Police are hunting the fiance of a pregnant school teacher who is wanted in connection with her murder.

The body of Marelle Sturrock, 35, was discovered in a home on Jura Street in the Craigton area of Glasgow shortly after 8.40am on April 25.

Detectives have been scouring Mugdock Country Park north of the city for David Yates, her fiance.

On Thursday, police confirmed that 35-year-old Ms Sturrock was 29 weeks pregnant at the time of her death and her unborn baby did not survive.

Marelle Sturrock was 29 weeks pregnant at the time of her death and her unborn baby did not survive. Facebook/Police Scotland

Shortly after 8.40am on Tuesday, April 25, police were called to a report of a concern for a person at an address in Jura Street in the Craigton area of the city.

The body of Ms Sturrock was found within and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A manhunt was launched at around 11am on Tuesday at Mugdock Country Park, some eight miles from the house.

The car of Ms Sturrock’s partner, a white Seat Ateca, was found at the country park on Tuesday and an extensive search of the area has been ongoing since.

Jura Street, Glasgow, where Marelle Sturrock's body was found. — Jura Street, Glasgow, where Marelle Sturrock’s body was found. STV News

On Thursday, police divers were seen to be searching the reservoir in the area.

Mr Yates was last seen on Sunday, April 23 at around 8pm and his subsequent movements are unknown after his vehicle was left at Mugdock Country Park, however police say that “there is nothing to suggest he has left the area”.

A visible police presence will remain at both Jura Street and Mugdock Country Park as our investigation continues.

Police added that they did not believe that there was any wider risk to the public, and anyone with information was urged to contact them on 101 quoting incident 0904 of April 25 or advised to speak to any officers.

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, April 25 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.”