The mother of a woman whose body is understood to have been found in Dundee has paid an emotional tribute to her daughter.
Mother of three Mary McLaren has not been seen since leaving a city centre nightclub two weeks ago.
A major police operation was launched and on Wednesday a woman’s body was found beside a busy roundabout, just 150 yards from her last known location.
On Friday Mary’s devastated mother and sisters visited the site where they believe she was found.
The family invited an STV film crew to accompany them to the scene where they spoke of their loss.
Mary’s mother Margaret 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.”
Ms McIntosh also paid tribute to the public for their help and to the CID.
IN DETAIL
- Body believed to be missing Dundee mother
- "Why did it take so long to find Mary?"
- Gallery of missing woman Mary McLaren
Mary’s sister Michelle Rodger praised Mary’s kind spirit.
“She was a very nice person. She would speak to anyone, help anyone. She was my best friend really”, she said.
Mary’s other sister Lisa Hendry thanked the public and police for their help in the case.
“We just want to thank Tayside Police all the public and friends gathered around. Mary’s a big part of our lives – our sister and our friend and she’ll be sadly missed”, she said.
“Me and Mary were called the ‘cheeky girls’ when we were out. It’s just her smiles. She used to make us all smile and laugh.”
Michelle added: “If you were down, she’d make you happy. It was wonderful. Every time I go down to her house I expect her to be there.
Lisa revealed it was a wrench for the family to visit the scene where the body was found.
She said: “I didn’t really want to say goodbye to a sister I love. It’s just so hard. I want her in my arms to hold her and tell her she’s safe.”
The woman’s body was removed from undergrowth at an embankment in the Marketgait area of Dundee late on Thursday.
No formal identification has been made but Tayside Police have confirmed it is understood to be that of Mary McLaren.
BACKGROUND
- Family of missing woman plead for her safe return
- Police urge clubbers to send missing woman pictures
