Body of backpacker returns home

Karen Aim was found fatally injured in the street

The body of the Orkney backpacker murdered in New Zealand has arrived back home in the Scottish islands.

Karen Aim, 26, was killed as she made her way home from a night out in the North Island resort town of Taupo in the early hours of 17 January.

Ms Aim's family said her body arrived in London on Saturday morning on a flight from Auckland.

She was flown to Glasgow and arrived in Orkney by ferry on Sunday. Ms Aim's funeral is due to be held on Tuesday.

Her father, Brian, said he was "greatly comforted" that his daughter was back in Scotland.

"This means so much to me," he added.

"We weren't sure exactly when she would be back, and thought we might have to postpone the funeral.

"But it seems much more realistic now that it will happen on Tuesday."

Tributes have been paid to Ms Aim by locals in Taupo

He had previously said the full reality of what happened to his "bubbly, bright and cheerful" daughter would not sink in until she returned home.

Ms Aim's friend, Alan Robertson, who is originally from Orkney but now lives in Taupo, accompanied her body on the flight.

This was made possible after the Taupo community raised funds to enable him to travel with her.

A murder inquiry was launched into Ms Aim's death after she was found fatally injured in the street.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested, but this is not being connected directly to the attack.

A memorial service will be held in Taupo on Tuesday, to coincide with the funeral. A memorial fund has also been set up in her name.

New Zealand Police have repeated an appeal for information from the public.

The probe has been focused on a group who vandalised a nearby college.

Six windows were smashed at the Taupo Nui-A-Tia College at around the time Ms Aim was assaulted and the vandals have yet to come forward.