Disappearances of South Glos mum and her daughter now being treated as murder

The disappearances of 25-year-old South Gloucestershire mother Bennylyn Burke and one of her children are now being treated as a murder investigation, police in Dundee said tonight.

A 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Bennylyn, who is believed to have lived in the Kingswood area, and her daughter Jellica. Inquiries are continuing to establish their whereabouts

The man arrested is expected to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday.

Officers in Dundee attended a property on Troon Avenue around 3.20pm yesterday as part of an inquiry into the disappearance of Bennylyn and her children who had been reported missing from South Gloucestershire on Monday.

Police say the second child reported missing has been traced and is being supported.

Tonight 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.

“Bennylyn’s next of kin have been updated on the arrest and are being supported by colleagues from Avon & Somerset Police.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.”

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