Police believe a young woman found dead on a rural Perthshire road may have been murdered.
The body of 22-year-old Annalise Johnstone was discovered on the quiet B8062 Auchterarder to Dunning road on Thursday afternoon.
Detectives say her death is being treated as suspicious, but are unable to say how she died.
They are now trying to piece together Annalise’s final moments and have made a public appeal to find her missing lime green mobile phone.
Annalise is said to have left her home in the Ardrossan area of Ayrshire at about 5pm on Wednesday.
She arrived in Auchterarder at 10pm and was found dead about 14 hours later.
On Monday, The Courier revealed a “bashed up” car had been recovered from a housing estate at Inchture by police acting in connection with the inquiry.
Another property in Raven Grove, Auchterarder – where Annalise is thought to have stayed – has also been cordoned off.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent James Smith of Police Scotland’s Major Investigations Team, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Annalise at this time.
“Bashed up” car recovered by police probing mystery death on country road
“We have specialist officers assisting the family through these difficult times.”
He said: “Our enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death and I would like to appeal to anyone who may have any information to come forward.
Death of woman found on Perthshire road is suspicious, say police
“Officers are carrying out forensic examinations as well as reviewing CCTV and speaking to the local community in and around the area.
“Annalise was last seen near to Ruthven Court, Auchterarder around about 10pm on Wednesday, having been dropped off there.”
He added: “I am also keen to confirm the movements of a silver coloured Ford Galaxy motor vehicle, registration mark ST67 HXL, which is linked this enquiry.
“I would appeal to the public who may have seen this vehicle to also contact police.”
The car, which was recovered from Inchture, is the same one thought to have brought Ms Johnstone to the Perthshire area. It is believed to have been damaged as a result of a previous incident.
Det Supt Smith added: “We are also looking to trace her iPhone 5s mobile phone which is lime green in colour, within a red flip style case, and a small wallet which has the Marvel superheroes thereon.
“A clear bag of medication which is 4-5 inches in size which will have a sticker on it with Annalise’s name is also missing.”
He said: “We are doing everything we can to try and find out what has happened to Annalise and would seek the assistance of the public in that respect.”
In a direct appeal to the public, he said: “Please get in touch with us even if you think your information may not be relevant to the enquiry, it may prove vital in establishing what has happened to Annalise.”
Ms Johnstone, who was unemployed, was a member of Scotland’s travelling community.
Chief Inspector Ian Scott, local area commander for Perth and Kinross, added: “We are aware the incident may raise concerns in Perthshire and the wider community but I would like to take the opportunity to reassure the public that there will be a visible police presence whilst investigations are carried out.
“I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst this is ongoing and if anyone has any concerns or information, they should speak to an officer.”
