GiRl’S dEATh RiddlE
Annalise, 22, found by road
POLICE are probing the mystery death of a woman found lying next to a remote country road.
Tributes were paid last night to Annalise Johnstone, who was discovered in Perthshire last Thursday.
The body of the 22-year-old from Ardrossan, Ayrshire, was found in a wooded area close to the B8062 between Auchterarder and Dunning.
Police last night revealed she had been dropped off in Auchterarder by a silver Ford Galaxy after travelling from her home in Ayrshire.
Detective Superintendent James Smith, who is leading the investigation, said officers were still trying to establish how Annalise – who was a member of the traveller community – died.
He confirmed that the silver Ford Galaxy was later found abandoned and damaged in Inchture.
However, officers said the damage was not consistent with the people carrier striking Annalise.
The car is now forming a major part of the investigation.
Smith revealed that Annalise was reported missing just hours before her body was discovered.
And he described as “unhelpful” online rumours suggesting she may have been the victim of a hit and run. He stressed how important it is to locate her phone, wallet and medication.
He said: “It has been established that Annalise had left her home address in Ardrossan at about 5pm on May 9 and travelled to the Tayside area. Annalise was last seen near to Ruthven Court, Auchterarder, at about 10pm that same day having been dropped off there.
“I am also keen to confirm the movements of a silver coloured Ford Galaxy motor vehicle, registration ST67 HXL, which is linked to this inquiry.
“We are looking to trace her iPhone 5s mobile phone which is lime green, within a red flip style case, and a wallet which has the Marvel superheroes on it. A clear bag of medication which is 4-5in in size which has a sticker on it with Annalise’s name is also missing.
“We are doing everything we can to try and find out what has happened to Annalise and would seek the assistance of the public in that respect. Please get in touch with us even if you think your information may not be relevant to the inquiry.”
Officers especially want to speak to homeowners with CCTV in the area and drivers with dashcams who may have filmed their journeys along the road – a well-known shortcut used by cyclists, dog walkers and ramblers.
Smith said: “Our inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death and I would like to appeal to anyone who may have any information to come forward.
“Officers are carrying out forensic examinations as well as reviewing CCTV and speaking to the local community in and around the area.”
Last night, friends and neighbours took to Facebook to pay their respects to the Annalise.
Yvonne Attwood wrote: “So sad, RIP Annalise xx.”
Lana Lynn added: “Poor wee soul.”
While Margaret Wright said: “How sad. X”
Anyone with information that may assist police inquiries should phone 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.