Police have launched an extensive search for the fiancé of an “inspirational” primary school teacher who was found dead in her Glasgow home.

Officers descended on Mugdock Country Park, in East Dunbartonshire, in an effort to find David Yates, who was engaged to be married to Marelle Sturrock, who was 35 and heavily pregnant.

Ms Sturrock’s body was found at around 8.40am on Tuesday in Jura Street, Glasgow, which is around nine miles away from the park, at the home she shared with Mr Yates.

Police said her death is being treated as “suspicious” with her body discovered after colleagues at Sandwood Primary School raised the alarm when she failed to turn up for work.

Police divers and officers in kayaks have been heavily involved in the search for Mr Yates, 36, with several waterways and bodies of water in the vicinity of the park.

Police said that they did not believe there was a risk to the public.

Fiona Donnelly, headteacher of Sandwood primary where Ms Sturrock had taught for six years, said the school was in a state of shock.

Ms Sturrock was also an actress and singer, and was well known in her local area for performing with Mr Yates.

She moved to Glasgow aged 17 and later studied musical theatre at the University of the West of Scotland.

Ms Donnelly said: "We will all miss her so much. She was a lovely, kind, diligent and considerate person who loved and made time for everyone.

"Marelle used her artistic talents across the school and was our music champion who has been a key player in the success of our school choirs, with one of her classes going to see her on stage at The King's Theatre in one of her many acting roles outside of school.

"We are a school community in mourning and are devastated by the tragic news of her death and pass on our deepest condolences to her family and friends as we all come to terms with our loss."

Ms Sturrock and Mr Yates launched an online group during lockdown, encouraging people to join in with musical performances. The group has around 1600 members.

According to her online CV, the teacher, who was originally from Wick in Caithness, had prominent roles in several amateur theatre productions and took part in voluntary work with Rainbows, the youngest section of the girl guides.

Wick Players, an amateur dramatics club of which Ms Sturrock was a member since she was a teenager, said they would remember her as “one of our family”.

In a statement, the group said: “Some people have a light that shines from within, and Marelle’s talent shone through that aura and she followed her dream by doing drama and music studies at University. It is tragic that her young life has ended too soon.”

Josh Mountford said that he had carried out work experience in Ms Sturrock’s class over recent months and had been devastated by her death.

“So hard to stomach the loss of such an incredible woman,” he said. “She was so lovely to me and always went the extra mile. I learned so much from this inspirational woman.”

Parents at the school were told of the death in a letter on Wednesday and education psychologists are on hand to support pupils.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Kelly said: "Our thoughts are with Marelle's family and friends, as well as everyone affected by this tragic incident.

"We are providing her family with support at this incredibly difficult time as our investigation to establish the full circumstances continues."

She said Police Scotland does not believe there is "any risk to the wider public" and added: "A visible police presence will remain at both locations as our work continues.”