Tayside Police were contacted by HM Coastguard after one of their crew members reported finding possible human material on the shoreline at Carnoustie.

Search trained officers recovered the material and it has been taken to the police mortuary in Dundee where it will be forensically examined.

Meanwhile, detectives probing the discovery of body parts believe they have now identified the dead woman.

Following widespread media coverage, officers in the incident room received hundreds of calls from concerned members of the public.



One call led officers to a flat in Brechin's South Esk Street where a 36-year-old woman had been reported missing by her employer.

A police family liaison officer has been appointed and officers are currently seeking the next of kin to inform them.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham McMillan, the senior investigating officer, said: "The flat in South Esk Street in Brechin has been sealed off and officers are currently searching the property.

"We will be speaking to a number of people over the course of the day in a bid to establish the woman's last known movements, when she was last seen, and to establish the circumstances of her death.

"Establishing the identity of this woman is the first step in a very complex and detailed enquiry. I would urge anyone who has any information about this investigation to get in touch with us.

"The response to the appeals made in the media to date has been phenomenal and has, without doubt, led to us identifying this woman. I'd like to thank those members of the public who did get in touch for their assistance.''

Anyone who has any information which may assist officers with their enquiries should get in touch with Tayside Police on (01307) 302200 or speak to any police officer. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

See also:

Police to reveal artist's impression

Second hand found

Body parts discovered