Police launch murder probe following disappearance of woman and her two-year-old daughter from Gloucestershire after her second child is found safe as man, 50, is arrested in Scotland
- Man charged in connection with death of Bennylyn Burke and daughter Jellica
- The mother and her 2 children reported missing in Gloucestershire on Monday
- Ms Burke’s other child has been found and is being supported, police confirm
The disappearances of a 25-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter are now being treated as a murder investigation, police have confirmed.
A 50-year-old man from Dundee has been charged in connection with the deaths of Bennylyn Burke and her daughter Jellica from Gloucestershire.
Officers are still searching for their bodies.
The 25-year-old mother and her two children were reported missing from their south Gloucestershire home on Monday March 1, having been last seen on February 17.
Bennlyn Burke, 25, from South Gloucestershire was reported missing on March 1
A 50-year-old man from Dundee has been charged in connection with the deaths of Bennylyn Burke and her daughter Jellica from Gloucestershire. Pictured: Police at the scene of the arrest today
Ms Burke’s other child has been found and is being supported, according to police.
Avon and Somerset Police released an appeal for information on Wednesday.
On Friday, a man was arrested following a raid at a property in Dundee at approximately 3.20pm. Police have not confirmed his specific charge.
Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: ‘We are now treating the disappearances as a murder investigation and I would urge anyone with any information to please come forward and speak to us.
‘This is a complex inquiry involving both local officers in Dundee and specialist resources from across Police Scotland.
On Friday, a man was arrested following a raid at a property in Dundee (pictured) at approximately 3.20pm. Police have not confirmed his specific charge
Avon and Somerset Police released an appeal for information on Wednesday. Pictured: A police cordon at the scene of Friday’s arrest
‘Bennylyn’s next of kin have been updated on the arrest and are being supported by colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police.
‘Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.
‘There will be an increased police presence in the area for a considerable period of time and I would like to thank the local community for their cooperation.
‘Anyone with concerns or information can speak to a local officer or call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident 1434 of March 5 2021.’