NHS worker found dead in flat 'always tried to help people'

Graeme OgstonTayside and central reporter
News imageEgan family A woman takes a selfie - she has long straight strawberry blonde hair and a powder blue dress which is off the shoulder.Egan family
Natalie Egan's father said his daughter "always tried to help people"

The father of an NHS worker, whose death is being treated as murder, has described her as a "bubbly" person who "always tried to help people".

Emergency services found Natalie Egan's body at about 07:25 on Friday in a flat in Byron Street, Dundee, after reports of a fire in the property.

Calum Miller, 26, has been charged with murdering the 37-year-old nursing assistant by repeatedly stabbing her.

Ms Egan's father Pat said his family were devastated by her death, describing his daughter as the "life and soul".

News imageEgan family A woman with blonde hair sits in a car with two French bulldogsEgan family
Ms Egan was devoted to her French bulldog Beau

He told BBC Scotland News: "We know that she loved her work and I'd like to thank all her colleagues that work there, we know how they'll be feeling as well.

"She was always bubbly, the life and soul. She always tried to help people."

Mr Egan also thanked the rescue services and Police Scotland.

He said that his daughter grew up in Glenrothes and moved to Dundee in 2016 or 2017 to begin her job at the city's Ninewells Hospital.

Mr Egan said that his daughter loved her French bulldog Beau, who he is currently looking after.

Ms Egan is also survived by her brother and two step-brothers.

News imageA floral tribute set in white and green flowers
Floral tributes have been laid outside the flat in Byron Street

Simon Dunn, executive nurse director at NHS Tayside paid tribute to Ms Egan on behalf of her colleagues and friends at the health board.

He said: "We would like to remember Natalie, who was a vibrant and valued member of our team.

"She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time."

News imageA lone police officer stands guard in the darkness on Byron Street, next to a marked police SUV, close to the scene of the fire.
Emergency services were called to the scene in Byron Street on Friday

Mr Miller did not appear in the dock during a short private hearing at Dundee Sheriff Court, with the case being held in his absence.

In addition to the murder charge, he is accused of three charges of theft, including allegedly stealing a vehicle.

No plea was entered on his behalf and the case was continued until next week for further examination.

He was remanded in custody by Sheriff John Rafferty.