Murder probe over missing woman Julie Reilly

A murder investigation has begun into the death of a woman who disappeared in Glasgow more than two months ago.

Police Scotland confirmed that Julie Reilly, 47, was dead but would not say whether her body had been found.

Detectives are asking for help in tracing two suitcases they believe were discarded in the south of Glasgow, and which may provide vital clues.

A forensics team is examining a patch of wasteland in Govan, close to where Ms Reilly lived.

A tent has been erected and several police vehicles are parked in Drumoyne Drive, but police would not say if the two investigations were linked.

It is understood an extensive police search was also carried out on nearby Ardshiel Road on Saturday.

One local man, who asked not to be named, said he believed a body part had been discovered on a path close to the entrance of Pirie Park.

Ms Reilly was last seen on CCTV on 6 February in an Aldi store in Govan.

Det Ch Insp Mark Bell, of the major investigation team, said: "Inquiries carried out so far have revealed that two suitcases may contain evidence regarding Julie's disappearance.

"The suitcases are believed to have been discarded in the south side of Glasgow, particularly in the Cardonald, Cessnock and Govan areas of the city.

"They may have been left at a roadway, in a garden path, a park, a pathway or on waste ground.

"Members of the public with any information regarding Julie's disappearance, or who have recently observed a discarded suitcase in those areas, are urged to contact police as a matter of urgency."

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Reilly was at 17:00 on 6 February at the Aldi store on Paisley Road West.

She was reported missing on 15 February after she failed to turn up for a medical appointment and missed her grandson's first birthday.

Her mother and sister later made a public appeal for help in tracing her.

Ms Reilly had lived in the city for a number of years but her family is originally from Auchinleck in East Ayrshire.