Body of Ayrshire woman found in rural Perthshire treated as a suspicious death

The death of an Ayrshire woman, whose body was found near the side of a road in rural Perthshire, is being treated as suspicious.

22-year-old Annalise Johnstone had travelled from her home in Ardrossan to Auchterader on Wednesday 9th May, and was last seen near to Ruthven Court in the town at around 10pm that same day.

Her body was found in a wooded area at the roadside of B8062 between Auchterarder and Dunning on Thursday 10th May.

Detective Superintendent James Smith, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Annalise at this time. We have specialist officers assisting the family through these difficult times.

‘Our enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death and I would like to appeal to anyone who may have any information to come forward.

‘Officers are carrying out forensic examinations as well as reviewing CCTV and speaking to the local community in and around the area.

‘As part of our investigation it has been established that Annalise had left her home address in Ardrossan around 5pm on Wednesday 9th May and has travelled to the Tayside area. Annalise was last seen near to Ruthven Court, Auchterarder around about 10pm that same day having been dropped off there.

‘I am also keen to confirm the movements of a silver coloured Ford Galaxy motor vehicle, registration mark ST67 HXL, which is linked this enquiry. I would appeal to the public who may have seen this vehicle to also contact police.

‘We are also looking to trace her iPhone 5s mobile phone which is lime green in colour, within a red flip style case, and a small wallet which has the Marvel superheroes thereon. A clear bag of medication which is 4-5 inches in size which will have a sticker on it with Annalise’s name is also missing.

We are doing everything we can to try and find out what has happened to Annalise and would seek the assistance of the public in that respect. Please get in touch with us even if you think your information may not be relevant to the enquiry, it may prove vital in establishing what has happened to Annalise.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott, Local Area Commander for Perth and Kinross said : ‘We are aware the incident may raise concerns in Perthshire and the wider community but I would like to take the opportunity to reassure the public that there will be a visible police presence whilst investigations are carried out.

"I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst this is ongoing and if anyone has any concerns or information, they should speak to an officer'.

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101.