Disappearance of mum and child which led to Dundee arrest treated as murder
Last updated 8th Mar 2021
The disappearance of a mum and her two-year-old daughter which led to an arrest in Dundee is now being treated as a murder.
Officers sealed off Troon Avenue in the Ardler area of the city yesterday afternoon, four days after 25-year-old Bennylyn Burke and two kids were reported missing from South Gloucestershire.
A 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the deaths of Bennylyn and her daughter Jellica and enquiries are continuing to establish their whereabouts.
The arrested man is expected to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday, 8 March, 2021.
A second child reported missing has been traced and is being supported.
Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “We are now treating the disappearances as a murder investigation and I would urge anyone with any information to please come forward and speak to us.
“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.”