Karen Buckley: Police confirm remains found at farm near Glasgow are those of missing student

Her family have said they are "absolutely heartbroken"

Karen Buckley, 24, went missing in Glasgow in the early hours of Sunday 12 April (Facebook)

Police Scotland have confirmed that a woman’s body found at a farm near Milngavie, north Glasgow, is that of student Karen Buckley.

Ms Buckley, 24, from Cork, Ireland, was last seen in the early hours of Sunday morning, after she spent Saturday night with friends at Glasgow's Sanctuary nightclub.

Her disappearance sparked a four-day search which involved a helicopter crew, search dogs, and specialist police drivers.

Detective Superintendent Jim Kerr has now confirmed that a body discovered last night was that of Ms Buckley.

"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," he said.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the public and the communities both here and in Ireland for their significant assistance during this investigation. It was very, very helpful.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the news media for their sustained effort and support throughout this inquiry."

In a statement read by Mr Kerr, Ms Buckley's father, John, said the family were "absolutely heartbroken" by the news.

The family said: "Marian and I, together with our sons Brendan, Kieran, and Damian are absolutely heartbroken.

"Karen was our only daughter, cherished by her family and loved by her friends.

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

"We will miss her terribly."

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with Ms Buckley's death.

Already a qualified nurse, Ms Buckley, was studying occupational therapy before she died. She had arrived at Sanctuary with friends at around 11.45pm. At around 1am she told friends she was going to the toilet, but failed to return and did not take her jacket.

CCTV footage from the club showed that she left with a man in the early hours of Sunday.

Additional reporting by PA