Funds raised for Jolanta's family

Jolanta Bledaite had been sending money to her cancer-stricken father

Donations to help the family of the woman whose head was found on the beach at Arbroath are coming in from across the world, fund organisers have said.

The Jolanta Fund was set up on Monday and has already raised almost £8,000 to support Jolanta Bledaite's relatives.

The money could be used to fly them to Scotland, return the 35-year-old's body to Lithuania, organise a funeral, or pay her ill father's medical bills.

Two Lithuanian men have been charged with the migrant worker's murder.

Ms Bledaite's head was found on the beach at Arbroath by two young sisters last week.

Police searching the shore area then found her hands.

I'm not at all surprised because I think it's inherent in people to want to help Cllr Ruth Leslie Melville

A suitcase containing body parts was pulled from Arbroath harbour at the weekend.

The Jolanta Fund was set up by two councillors in Brechin, where Ms Bledaite had been living before her death.

Councillor Ruth Leslie Melville said: "People have been totally overwhelmed by what's happened to this girl, and very touched and saddened by her family situation at home.

"They want to do something to try to help.

"I'm not at all surprised because I think it's inherent in people to want to help."

She added that donations had come in from not just Angus, but from London, Glasgow, Aberdeen and even America.

The Bank of Scotland donated £5,000 to the fund.

Cllr Leslie Melville is aiming to raise £20,000.

Those wanting to make a donation can contact the councillor at [e-mail]