A 38-year-old woman found dead inside a suitcase abandoned in a derelict building in Greece has been identified as a British national. Her remains were discovered by a homeless man in the Kypseli district of Athens on July 18 at around 1pm.
Discovery and identification
According to Greek broadcaster ERT, the man alerted authorities after noticing a strong smell coming from the suitcase and spotting what appeared to be a human limb. Investigators believe the woman died between five and seven days before her body was discovered. Initial examinations found no obvious injuries, although the cause of death has not yet been established.
The woman could not be identified at first by attending officers because she reportedly had no identification on her. Greek and US authorities worked together to identify her after initial checks against available databases failed. On Monday, Interpol notified the Hellenic Police that DNA testing found the body belonged to a British woman, the Daily Record reports.
Her movements and investigation
Police believe the woman arrived in Greece on June 29 after flying from the United States via Cyprus, according to Greek newspaper Ekathimerini. Investigators are examining whether she had been working in the country. Officers are now attempting to reconstruct her movements after she arrived, including where she stayed, whether she travelled with another person and who she may have met before her death.
The British Embassy in Greece has been notified, and the woman's father has also been informed. Police continue to gather information about her recent movements and contacts. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence in an effort to identify anyone who may have interacted with the woman, who is understood to have been born in Scotland.
Authorities have so far been unable to establish a clear picture of her contacts in Greece, and the investigation remains ongoing. An FCDO spokesperson told the Express: “Our thoughts are with Elizabeth's family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.” A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of the death of Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.”
