Remains in burn spark murder hunt

Police are investigating remains found in a burn in the area

A murder inquiry has been launched after human remains were discovered in the search for a missing grandmother.

Anne Brown, 51, has not been seen since leaving her mother's home in Ayrshire with her grandson John last Saturday.

Police said the 20-month-old toddler had now been traced and was with his 21-year-old mother in Glasgow, but did not reveal how he was found.

The remains of a woman were found in a burn near Dunlop, East Ayrshire. Police have not yet made an identification.

Officers said a post-mortem examination confirmed that the remains were female and that the death was now being treated as murder.

The identity of the dead woman has not been confirmed Det Ch Insp Peter McPike

Det Ch Insp Peter McPike said: "The main focus of our investigation is to establish the identity of this woman. We are unable at this stage to speculate as to exactly how long the remains have been there.

"This is a complex investigation and our enquiries are at a very early stage.

"It is important to stress that given that the identity of the dead woman has not been confirmed, what we are able to discuss at this time is strictly limited. We are, however, confident that we will achieve a positive outcome to this investigation."

Officers appealed for anybody who noticed anything suspicious in the area in the past week to 10 days to contact them.

Ms Brown was last seen leaving her mother's in Fenwick, planning to travel to her own home in Burnhouse, eight miles away, but her empty car was found on a road the following day.

Ms Brown and her grandson had not been seen since Saturday

Strathclyde Police said: "John Brown has been traced safe and well and is with his 21-year-old mother in Glasgow.

"Inquiries are still on-going to trace Anne Brown. Anyone who has any information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact police."

It is not yet clear where the youngster had been since Saturday last week.

Ms Brown's Ford Focus was spotted on the A735 between Dunlop and Neilston at 0200 BST on Sunday.

A member of the public called police as the vehicle was blocking the route.

Ms Brown is described as being about 5ft 6in, of slim build, with light brown shoulder-length hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing a red jacket and navy trousers and may have had a pram or a baby seat.