Murdered: Mary McLaren was killed after a night out in Dundee Pic: © STV
Police have launched a murder hunt after a post mortem examination on her body revealed she was murdered.
34-year-old Mary was last seen leaving nightclub, Fat Sams, in the city centre at 3am two weeks ago. Her body was discovered near a roundabout on the city's Marketgait on Wednesday.
Detective Chief Inspector Shaun McKillop, the senior investigating officer on the case, said: "A post-mortem examination was carried out today (Friday) and we are now treating Mary's death as a murder.
"Forensic examination of the scene will continue over the course of the weekend and we will continue to speak to potential witnesses over the next few days.
"I must stress that at this stage in the investigation we have not detained, arrested or charged anyone in connection with her death.
"However, enquiries are continuing and we are examining all of the witness statements and forensic evidence in a bid to ensure that justice is done for Mary and her family.
"Our thoughts are with Mary's family at this very upsetting and distressing time."
Mr McKillop said the area where Mrs McLaren's body was found was still cordoned off.
He said: "We have opened one lane of the Marketgait eastbound to allow traffic to flow. I appreciate the patience shown by members of the public whilst we carry out our enquiries in the area."
Her mother, Margaret McIntosh, and other family members paid emotional tributes to her after police identified her on Friday.
Ms McIntosh said: "Mary, I miss you so much and with all my heart and I hope justice comes real soon my darling. Sleep tight. Good night my precious one. Rest in peace my baby." She also thanked the public and CID for their help in the search.
Her husband Scott said: "I still can’t believe that she has gone. It's heartbreaking. The worst part was not knowing where she was, and wondering why she had never contacted anyone in the family.
"She just loved life and spending time with her family whether it was shopping with her sisters, playing bingo, going out dancing or just socialising."
IN DETAIL
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- Devastated family pay tribute to Dundee mother
- "Why did it take so long to find Mary?"
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