Police Scotland watchdog investigating murder of pregnant school teacher Marelle Sturrock in Glasgow

Scotland’s police watchdog is investigating the murder of pregnant school teacher Marelle Sturrock.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) confirmed on Friday that it is looking into the death of the 35-year-old, whose body was discovered in a home on Jura Street in the Craigton area of Glasgow shortly after 8.40am on April 25.

Ms Sturrock, who worked at Sandwood Primary School, was 29 weeks pregnant at the time of her death and her unborn baby did not survive.

PIRC is a public body that was set up to independently investigate incidents involving the police, including complaints from the public.

It is not yet known why the watchdog is investigating Sturrock’s death.

A spokesperson for PIRC said: “Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has instructed the PIRC to carry out an investigation into the death of Marelle Sturrock on 25 April 2023 within 91 Jura Street, Glasgow.

“Once our enquiries are complete a report will be submitted to COPFS.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “As this is being investigated by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner we are unable to comment further.”

It comes after a body found by police was formally identified as Ms Sturrock’s partner, who detectives were seeking in connection with her death.

On Friday, Police Scotland confirmed that the body, initially discovered on Thursday after searches of Mugdock Reservoir, north of Glasgow, has now been formally identified as 36-year-old David Yates.

His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Police said he was wanted in connection with the death of his partner, and that while an investigation is continuing there is nothing to suggest anyone else was involved.