Man Due In Court Over Karen Buckley Death

17 April 2015, 06:38 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A 21-year-old man's due in court today in connection with the disappearance of Karen Buckley in Glasgow.

A massive police search was launched this week when the 24-year-old vanished after a night out in Glasgow at the weekend.

Specialist police divers, a helicopter crew and search dogs were involved in the operation which eventually led officers to High Craigton Farm on the north-western outskirts of the city where human remains were recovered on Wednesday.

Police Scotland later confirmed it was that of Ms Buckley, from Cork in the Irish Republic, and a 21-year-old man was arrested over her death.

He is due to make a brief appearance at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

Friends of Ms Buckley raised the alarm on Sunday morning when the 24-year-old failed to return from the night out at The Sanctuary in the west end of Glasgow.

The search led police to Dawsholm Park, where Miss Buckley's handbag was found on Tuesday, and a property in the city's Dorchester Avenue, before the farm where the discovery was made.

Ms Buckley moved to Scotland in February and was a first-year occupational therapy student at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Her family, who travelled to Scotland on Tuesday, have said they are ''absolutely heartbroken''.

Her father John Buckley, 62, said the 24-year-old from was an outgoing girl who ''thoroughly enjoyed life''.

He released a statement through Police Scotland which read: ''Marian and I, together with our sons Brendan, Kieran, and Damian are absolutely heartbroken.

''Karen was our only daughter, cherished by her family and loved by her friends.

''She was an outgoing girl who travelled the world, where she met lots of people and thoroughly enjoyed her life.

''We will miss her terribly.''

More than £50,000 has been raised to support the Buckley family in an online drive organised by former classmates of the 24-year-old at Limerick University.

The 24-hour appeal closed last night after reaching £50,001 - ten times the initial target of £5,000.

The Go Fund Me page was set up to cover the family's travel and expenses while in Scotland and to support the upkeep of their farm in Cork.

A vigil is due to be held in the city's George Square this evening, organised by former Scottish Socialist politician Rosie Kane.

People are being encouraged to bring flowers and candles to the event to show support for Ms Buckley's family.

Writing on Facebook Ms Kane said: "If folk can come to George Sq at 5pm we could embrace each other in Karen's honour and hope that those hurt by loss and fear and trauma will know we care.''