Police track movements of teenager found dead

Detectives investigating the murder of a teenager whose burnt body was found in a field were today attempting to track her last known movements.

Up to 60 police officers are involved in the investigation sparked by the discovery of the remains of Zoe Nelson, 17, near Branchalfield Drive in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, on Sunday.

The popular student, due to celebrate her 18th birthday in a few months, was last seen leaving her Newmains home around a mile away at 5pm the day before.

Detectives revealed yesterday that residents reported seeing a fire in the wooded area known as Monkey Hill on Saturday night.

Now they are attempting to track her movements from the time she left her home to when the blaze was spotted at around 11.20pm.

Yesterday, Zoe's mother said the family had been shattered by her death.

In a statement issued by police, her mother Marieann said: "We are absolutely heartbroken at the death of Zoe and devastated by the way in which she died.

"She would have been celebrating her 18th birthday in a couple of months and we miss her terribly.

"Me, her stepdad Daniel, and two sisters Laura Ann and Ashley are shattered by what has happened."

Forensic officers have been searching the scene for clues and Zoe's boyfriend is among the friends and family who have been questioned as witnesses by police.

Detective Superintendent Derek Robertson said she was well-known in the area and he hoped someone would recognise who she was with on Saturday night.

It is thought she went out with friends to enjoy one of the warmest evenings of the year.

Mr Robertson said: "This is a terrible incident, and a tragedy for the family and a young life cut short.

"We will not rest until this person has been caught.

"We will use as many officers as possible, we will work as many hours as possible, we will find this person."