Dundee council leader says murder of mum and toddler is 'devastating'

Troon Avenue remains sealed off as the search for the bodies of 25-year-old Bennylyn Burke and her two-year-old girl Jellica continues

Troon Avenue
Author: Callum ClarkPublished 7th Mar 2021
Last updated 8th Mar 2021

The murder of a mum and toddler from South West England, whose bodies have yet to be found, is being described as 'devastating' by Dundee's council leader.

Troon Avenue in the Ardler area of the city has been sealed off since Friday afternoon.

Forensics continue to examine one property, where a 50-year-old man was arrested and then charged in connection with the disappearance of a woman and two children from South Gloucestershire.

One child who was reported missing has been found and is being supported.

Council Leader John Alexander said: "As the father of two young children myself, trying to put yourself in that situation and think about the impact on the families and friends is traumatising, absolutely devastating.

"I'm sure that'll be felt among the community as well. When anything like this happens in a community it has a ripple effect.

"People will be rightly concerned, but we should take some reassurance that Police Scotland are actively working with their counterparts down south and have been able to advance their investigations significantly."

Police have warned this is a 'complex' inquiry, with specialist resources being drafted in from across Scotland.

The arrested man is due to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court tomorrow.

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