Murder hunt under way after burned body of girl is found

The remains were found by a mountain biker on Sunday afternoon, who spoke of his "disbelief" after he spotted a figure hidden in the grass in a wooded area near Branchalfield Drive.

Police last night identified the victim as 17-year-old Zoe Nelson, of Crindledyke Crescent, Newmains.

The cyclist who discovered the body said he was still in shock: "It still hasn't sunk in; the first thing I thought when I saw it was that it was a mannequin."

Detective Superintendent Derek Robertson of Strathclyde Police said yesterday: "From our inquiries so far we know that Zoe left her home on Saturday evening at about 1700 hours. However, we do not know where she has been between then and when her body was found.

"We would obviously be very keen to find out where she was and who she was with between Saturday at 1700 hours and 1620 hours on Sunday.

"Zoe is described as 5ft 6 tall, of heavy build, with collar-length brown hair. She was last seen wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a white long-sleeved T-shirt and black Nike trainers. She is known to frequent the Newmains, Cambusnethan and Coltness area."

Officers are carrying out an extensive forensic search of the area which is still cordoned off. Detectives and uniformed officers, including the dog branch and the force's helicopter, are involved in the investigation.

Detective Superintendent Robertson continued: "As you will understand, Zoe's family are devastated at her death. She was popular girl and well known in the area. No family should have to go through this and we are determined to catch the person responsible for this horrific attack."