Disappearance of 25-year-old woman and daughter, two, being treated as murder

The disappearances of missing mother Bennylyn Burke and her two-year-old daughter Jellica are being treated as a murder investigation, Police Scotland has said.

Ms Burke, 25, was reported missing from her home in Gloucestershire on 1 March along with two children, including Jellica.

A 50-year-old man was arrested at a property in Troon Avenue, Dundee, on Friday.

He has now been charged in connection with the deaths and will appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday.

The force said the second child has been found and is being supported.

Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie, of Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, said: "This is a complex enquiry involving both local officers in Dundee and specialist resources from across Police Scotland.

"Bennylyn's next of kin have been updated on the arrest and are being supported by colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.

"There will be an increased police presence in the area for a considerable period of time and I would like to thank the local community for their cooperation.

"Anyone with concerns or information can speak to a local officer or call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident 1434 of 5 March, 2021."