28/10/2008

Tests Show Body Found In Burn To Be Missing Woman

The body of a 51-year-old woman found at a burn near Craignaught farm, Ayrshire, has been confirmed by police as Anne Brown, who was reported missing.

Ms Brown was last seen leaving her mother's house in Fenwick around 6pm on Saturday, October 18, with her 20-month-old grandson John, who was later traced.

She was intending to travel to her home in Laigh Gree, Burnhouse, Ayrshire, a journey of about 15 minutes.

Her remains were discovered on Friday close to the A735 where her car, a black Ford Focus had been found abandoned.

A post mortem examination, carried out on Saturday, confirmed that the remains were those of a woman who had been murdered but police refused to say how Ms Brown was killed or how her body was found.

Det Ch Insp Peter McPike, of Strathclyde Police, said: "I am aware that there has been speculation in media reports of how Anne's body was found which have been, in some aspects, inaccurate and therefore unhelpful.

"This has caused undue distress to family of Anne Brown.

"I do not intend to detail how she died or specify how her body was found. My focus is to trace the person or persons responsible for her murder."

Det Ch Insp McPike said the car, which has been forensically examined, forms a significant part of the investigation.

He said: "I would again appeal to any person who was travelling on the Dunlop to Neilston Road near to Craignaught Farm and Craignaught Tarmac Quarry on the evening of Saturday 18 October or the early hours of Sunday 19 October to come forward.

"It is important that we establish Anne's last movements. What happened to her when she left her mother's house? Did she go straight home?

"I would appeal to anyone who knew Anne or who saw or spoke to her last Saturday evening to contact the police. They may know something that could be relevant to our investigation."

(GK/JM)

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