Police Divers Join Search For Missing Student

Police investigating the disappearance of student Karen Buckley in Glasgow are searching a park where her handbag was found.

Police divers, a helicopter crew and search dogs have been deployed to Dawsholm Park, which is bordered on one side by the River Kelvin.

The 24-year-old vanished in the early hours of Sunday after spending Saturday night with friends at Glasgow's Sanctuary nightclub on Dumbarton Road.

She told them at around 1am she was going to the toilet, but failed to return and left her jacket behind.

CCTV spotted her leaving the club with 21-year-old Alexander Pacteau, who then drove her to his flat.

Mr Pacteau is not a suspect, but communal areas outside his flat in Dorchester Avenue have been taped off while officers look for clues.

He told officers she left at 4am. It is believed she was planning to walk back to her flat four miles away in Hill Street.

The student, who studies occupational therapy and is originally from Cork, has not been seen since.

Her parents, who have flown from Ireland to help with the search, said it was typical for her not to use taxis.

Police have increased patrols in the west end, Kelvindale and Anniesland areas of the city, and say they are "gravely concerned" for Ms Buckley's well-being.

Mr Pacteau told officers he was intimate with her at his flat in the early hours of Sunday.

Detective Superintendent Jim Kerr said: "From what we can see, she does not appear to be under duress, there's no signs of a struggle or reluctance on her part to leave the club."

He said Ms Buckley was widely travelled and was "aware of how to take care of herself".

Ms Buckley's distraught parents said they are "desperate" for the public's help.

"We just want Karen home safely, we are desperate. She is our only daughter, we love her dearly," said her mother Marian, 61.

"If anybody has any information please come forward, we would dearly appreciate it."

Her father John, 62, said: "If anybody is holding Karen, if anybody knows anything of her, please return her. Please let's have her back. We love her to bits."

Police also want to find out more about a grey car seen on the roads between Milngavie and Drymen, north of Glasgow, between 11am and 3pm on Monday.

Det Supt Kerr said: "The activity of this grey car on the Monday is something that we're a wee bit concerned about.

"This car has been seen at various locations on these roads and I want to know why."

Ms Buckley is between 5ft and 5ft 2in with brown eyes and dark hair which has long black curly extensions in it.

She was last seen wearing a black jumpsuit, red high-heeled shoes and carrying a black handbag.