Family's Heartbreak As Student's Body Found

A body found near Glasgow is that of an Irish student who went missing after a night out, police have confirmed.

Karen Buckley, 24, was last seen in the early hours of Sunday morning after a night out with friends.

A family statement said parents John and Marian, along with Ms Buckley's three brothers, were "absolutely heartbroken".

John Buckley, 62, said: "Karen was our only daughter, cherished by her family and loved by her friends.

"She was an outgoing girl, who had travelled the world where she met lots of people, and thoroughly enjoyed her life. We will miss her terribly."

A statement from police in Glasgow said: "We cannot imagine the pain and suffering of Karen's family and friends and all our thoughts are with them at this very sad and distressing time."

Officers searching for Ms Buckley, from Cork, had earlier confirmed the discovery of remains close to Milngavie, six miles north of Glasgow.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and is due to appear in court on Friday.

At around 1am on Sunday, Ms Buckley told friends she was going to the toilet in the city's Sanctuary nightclub, but she failed to return and left her jacket behind.

CCTV shows her leaving the club.

Her handbag was found on Tuesday in the city's Dawsholm Park, but on Wednesday the search shifted north of the city.

Dozens of officers began searching a remote country lane between Glasgow and Drymen, cordoning off the road to High Craigton Farm.

Ms Buckley began an occupational therapy degree at Glasgow Caledonian University in February and was previously a nurse at the Princess Alexandra hospital in Harlow, Essex.

A candle and photograph of Ms Buckley have been left at the reception to the health sciences building where she studied at the University of Limerick.

A fundraising page set up by Ms Buckley's former classmates to cover her family's expenses after they travelled to help with the search has raised more than £47,000.