THE death of a mother-of-three whose body was found dumped in undergrowth is being treated as murder, police said.
The confirmation came as the devastated family of Mary McLaren spoke of their heartbreak.
Mrs McLaren, 34, was last seen on February 25 after a visit to Fat Sams nightclub in Dundee with her sister.
Mrs McLaren was spotted in the city’s Marketgait at around 3am with a man she met at the club.
Her body was found in undergrowth on an embankment to the north of Ladywell roundabout in the city centre.
Det Chief Insp Shaun McKillop said: “A post-mortem examination was carried out and we are now treating Mary’s death as a murder.
“Forensic examination of the scene will continue and we will continue to speak to potential witnesses over the next few days.”
He stressed no one had been detained, arrested or charged in connection with the death.
Mrs McLaren’s husband Scott said: “I still can’t believe that she has gone. It’s heartbreaking.
“The worst part was not knowing where she was.
“She just loved life and spending time with her family.
“She just doted on us all and she was looking forward to becoming a granny. It’s extremely sad that she will never get the chance to enjoy that time in her life.”
Mrs McLaren leaves behind her three children, Sarah-Jane, 17, Aaron, 14, and Dylan, 10.
Mrs McLaren’s mother also spoke of her devastation.
Margaret McIntosh said: “She will be in my heart for the rest of my life, until the day I die.”