Help for 'head on beach' locals

Two men have been charged with Jolanta Bledaite's murder

A high profile police presence will remain in Arbroath and Brechin following the death of Lithuanian woman Jolanta Bledaite, police have said.

A week has passed since the migrant worker's head was discovered wrapped in a plastic bag at Arbroath beach.

Two Lithuanian men appeared in court on Monday charged with the 35-year-old's murder.

Officers said they wanted to reassure locals and migrant workers that Angus was a safe place to live.

Supt Ewen West said: "The death of Jolanta Bledaite is both devastating for her family and friends but also for her fellow migrant workers.

"Violent crimes often affect our most vulnerable individuals, those who actually need more of our attention and support."

He added that they would be working with the council to improve communication with migrant workers to make sure they did not feel threatened in Angus.

'Language barriers'

He said they would also be gathering information on "inter-community tensions."

"We understand that there may be language barriers but that is not something that they should fear, as we have access to a range of official interpreters if necessary," he said.

Ms Bledaite's head was discovered last Tuesday by two young sisters who had been playing on the beach at Arbroath.

Her hands were later found by police.

At the weekend police divers found a suitcase containing body parts at Arbroath harbour.

Ms Bledaite had been living in Brechin after arriving in Scotland about 18 months ago.