Two face trial over head on beach

Jolanta Bledaite's head and hands were found on Arbroath beach

Two Lithuanian men charged with the murder of a woman whose head and hands were found on Arbroath beach have made a second court appearance.

Vitas Plytnykas, 40, and Aleksandras Skirda, 19, were fully committed for trial and remanded in custody.

They also face charges of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and theft. The pair made no plea or declaration at Forfar Sheriff Court.

The head of Jolanta Bledaite, 35, also from Lithuania, was found on 1 April.

The mother of the two young sisters who discovered the remains has thanked the people of Angus for their concern and support.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "We very much want to move forward as a family and for the kids' lives to return to normal as soon as possible.

"We understand that many people have considered a fund for the girls, but we would like to state that we have not and will not accept any funds being set up or monies donated.

"Our thoughts, at this time, are very much with Jolanta's family in Lithuania."

After the youngsters discovered the head, the area of the beach was sealed off and police later found Ms Bledaite's hands.

On 5 April a suitcase containing body parts was pulled from Arbroath harbour.

Ms Bledaite, from Alytus in Lithuania, had been in the UK for about 18 months.

She had been working in the nearby town of Brechin as a casual labourer.

Both the accused were also staying in Brechin.