Body found in quarry is confirmed as Betty

Published on Wednesday 23 February 2011 16:43

DETECTIVES have confirmed that a body found last month in a disused quarry is that of missing Edinburgh woman Betty Brown.

Forensic experts used dental records to identify human remains found near Carlisle on January 18 as Mrs Brown, who had last been seen alive in May last year, but detectives are yet to confirm whether they believe Mrs Brown's death was not suspicious.

They today appealed for anyone who had seen her since the last reported sighting to come forward.

Extra tests were conducted on the body in a bid to establish a cause of death after a post-mortem carried out in Carlisle a month ago failed to explain how Mrs Brown died.

Cumbria Police said they had broken the news to Mrs Brown's family before announcing the identification.

Mrs Brown, a 55-year-old mother of three from Gorgie, vanished after leaving home on May 28 last year. She was last seen getting off a number three bus in Nicolson Street.

A dog walker spotted the remains in the quarry in the Longtown area of Cumbria, five miles from Gretna, where Mrs Brown's daughter Sarah lives.

Police feared they may have lain undiscovered for up to six months.

Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Ashton, from Cumbria Constabulary, who is leading the inquiry, said: "As a result of odontology comparisons with dental charts, we can now officially confirm it is Betty who was found in the woods.

"Her family has been informed and the west Cumbria coroner has been notified.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Betty."

Ms Brown, who worked at a Gilmerton care home, was originally from Hawick. She was reported missing after failing to return to work after a week's holiday.

In August, police searched beauty spots in Edinburgh, including Duddingston Loch in Holyrood Park, where she was known to visit.

Days later, daughter Sarah revealed she was pregnant and said Mrs Brown was sometimes depressed and lonely due to money problems and not being able to visit her grandchildren as much as she would have liked.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "Detectives are still appealing for anybody who may have seen Betty after May 28, 2010 when she was carrying two black Aldi bags while travelling on the number three bus in Edinburgh, which runs along Nicolson Street."