Detectives trying to identify the remains of a woman which were found on an Edinburgh nature reserve have thanked the public for their response to an appeal for information.
Part of the dismembered body of the middle-aged woman was uncovered on Corstorphine Hill in the capital a week ago and since then extensive forensic investigation has been undertaken.
The current main priority of the murder inquiry team, which is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Hardie, is to identify the woman who was white, middle aged, slim and of medium build and short in height.
The woman had also had a lot of cosmetic work carried out on her teeth.
DCI Hardie said: “Following an appeal for the assistance of the public in helping us identify this lady, we have received a lot of information. I am very pleased with the response we had had with a number of lines of inquiry now being looked into.
“People from across the UK have made contact with us and I appreciate the support we are getting from the public.”
Detectives also recovered a number of rings belonging to the woman, two of which are distinctive. They are both gold in appearance and set with precious stones – one in the design of a daisy, the other heart shaped.
DCI Hardie added: “Until we identify her, I repeat my appeal for people to consider if there is a woman who fits this description whom they have not seen for a number of months – perhaps not this year. If you have concerns about such a woman, please come forward and let us know.”
In addition he is keen to hear from anyone who used Corstorphine Hill in the past six months to contact the Police if they may have seen anyone who could have been involved in depositing the body in popular recreational area – an individual or individuals carrying large rucksacks/backpacks and tools which could be used to dig a grave.
DCI Hardie also thanked the many people who use Corstorphine Hill for walking, cycling and leisure pursuits for their understanding and patience while the detailed forensic inquiries have been undertaken at the site.
“Our work on Corstorphine Hill is likely to be finished later today and the cordon will be removed at that time.”
Chief Inspector Murray Dykes, of Police Scotland Edinburgh Division, said:- “Although inquiries on the hill will soon be finished, my officers will still be carrying out high visibility patrols to reassure local residents and other members of the public. This is a highly unusual incident and Corstorphine, and Edinburgh, are safe places to live and work.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
