Beach victim fundraisers set up

The head and hands of the victim were found on the beach

Fundraising appeals have been launched in Angus to help return the body of Jolanta Bledaite to Lithuania or give her a funeral in Scotland.

The head and hands of the migrant worker had been found at Arbroath beach on Tuesday. A suitcase containing body parts was later found at the harbour.

Ms Bledaite, 35, had been living in Brechin before her death.

Two Lithuanian men, aged 19 and 40, have been charged in connection with her death after appearing in court.

Sue Smith, who works with the migrant community in Arbroath, is raising money to help pay for a funeral and to support Ms Bledaite's father in Lithuania.

She said: "Since he heard about his daughter he's been absolutely devastated, not just because she died, but obviously the nature of the way she died.

"He's been bedridden since he found out.

"He's got terminal cancer. Jolanta's money was going back to pay for his medical treatment, which obviously in his country is very expensive.

"He said she was a very happy, caring girl and that she'd been very helpful and loving."

We were a little bit responsible for keeping an eye on her, looking after her when she was here Cllr Bob Myles

Ms Smith is raising money through the Marek Appeal, which was set up in honour of Marek Smrz, a Czech worker who was murdered in Arbroath in 2005.

The Jolanta Trust has been established by two Brechin councillors, Bob Myles and Ruth Leslie Melville.

Mr Myles said: "It was a tragic event to happen right on our doorstep and everybody's heart felt sorry for the poor girl and her family back in Lithuania.

"Although she wasn't a local girl, they feel concerned that we should do something.

"We were a kind of host for the time she was here. She was trying to raise money for her family at home and helping our community by working here.

"So in some ways we were a little bit responsible for keeping an eye on her, looking after her when she was here."

Several hundred pounds have already been raised, including about £500 collected at the Brechin City football match at the weekend.

Those wanting to give money to the Jolanta Trust should contact councillors Myles or Melville at Angus Council.

Donations can be sent to the Marek Appeal at PO Box 15, Arbroath, DD11 1AA.