A murder investigation has been launched into the death of a “inspirational” primary school teacher as police search for her partner.
Police Scotland confirmed the death of Marelle Sturrock, 35, in at a home in Jura Street, Glasgow on Tuesday morning is being treated as murder.
She was 29 weeks pregnant and her unborn baby did not survive.
Police Scotland Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane said in a statement: “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.
She added: “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.”
Ms Sturrock’s body was found at around 8.40am on Tuesday in Jura Street, Glasgow, which is around nine miles away from the park, at the home she shared with Mr Yates.
Police said her death is being treated as “suspicious”, with her body discovered after colleagues at Sandwood Primary School raised the alarm when she failed to turn up for work.
Police divers and officers in kayaks have been heavily involved in the search for Mr Yates, 36, with several waterways and bodies of water in the vicinity of the park.
Fiona Donnelly, headteacher of Sandwood Primary School where Ms Sturrock had taught for six years, said the school was in a state of shock.
Ms Sturrock was also an actress and singer and was well-known in her local area for performing with Mr Yates.
She moved to Glasgow aged 17 and later studied musical theatre at the University of the West of Scotland.
Ms Donnelly said: “We will all miss her so much. She was a lovely, kind, diligent and considerate person who loved and made time for everyone.
“Marelle used her artistic talents across the school and was our music champion who has been a key player in the success of our school choirs, with one of her classes going to see her on stage at The King’s Theatre in one of her many acting roles outside of school.
“We are a school community in mourning and are devastated by the tragic news of her death and pass on our deepest condolences to her family and friends as we all come to terms with our loss.”
Ms Sturrock and Mr Yates launched an online group during lockdown, encouraging people to join in with musical performances. The group has around 1,600 members.
According to her online CV, the teacher, who was originally from Wick in Caithness, had prominent roles in several amateur theatre productions and took part in voluntary work with Rainbows, the youngest section of the girl guides.
Wick Players, an amateur dramatics club of which Ms Sturrock was a member since she was a teenager, said they would remember her as “one of our family”.
In a statement, the group said: “Some people have a light that shines from within, and Marelle’s talent shone through that aura and she followed her dream by doing drama and music studies at University. It is tragic that her young life has ended too soon.”
Josh Mountford said that he had carried out work experience in Ms Sturrock’s class over recent months and was devastated by her death.
“So hard to stomach the loss of such an incredible woman,” he said. “She was so lovely to me and always went the extra mile. I learned so much from this inspirational woman.”
Parents at the school were told of the death in a letter on Wednesday and education psychologists are on hand to support pupils.
Cheryl Kelly, Detective Chief Inspector, said: “Our thoughts are with Marelle’s family and friends, as well as everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“We are providing her family with support at this incredibly difficult time as our investigation to establish the full circumstances continues.”
She said Police Scotland does not believe there is any risk to the wider public and added: “A visible police presence will remain at both locations as our work continues.”