Man is charged over the deaths of mum and girl, two
Arrest after police search
A man has been charged over the deaths of a mum and her two-year-old child after a cross-border police probe.
Bennylyn Burke, 25, and her daughter Jellica disappeared from Bristol on February 17.
Detectives yesterday said a 50-year- old man has been arrested in connection with their deaths in Dundee.
Officers were last night still trying to establish the victims’ whereabouts after searching a house.
They locked down Troon Avenue in the city’s Ardler area on Friday.
A tent has been erected in the property’s garden as police seized the property.
A second child reported missing has been traced and is being supported, Police Scotland said.
Specialist teams were last night seen using UV lights to examine walls within the five-bedroom villa.
A recovery truck removed a black Renault Scenic car from the driveway.
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 enquiry 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 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 off icer or call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident 1434 of March 5.”
Bennylyn was reported missing on March 1 and is thought to have travelled to Dundee.
Avon and Somerset Police launched an appeal to try to trace her on Wednesday. Loved ones were seen at Bennylyn’s home 440 miles away in Bristol yesterday.
A member of Bennelyn’s family declined to comment.
Police Scotland kept Troon Avenue closed last night.
Neighbours in nearby streets spoke of their shock at being the centre of a major police probe. One said: “This really is a quiet little place. This is a middle- class area with no problems.”
Police Scotland earlier said the incident was “contained” and there was “no danger to the wider community”.
Avon and Somerset Police said Police Scotland was now leading the investigation.
The ar rested man is expected to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court tomorrow.