A 26-year-old man, described by Greek police as a foreigner and reported by the BBC to be from Afghanistan, has been arrested in Greece after the body of a Scottish woman was found inside a suitcase in Athens. He was arrested after confessing on Thursday.
Discovery in Athens
Elisabeth Jane-Ross, 38, was found dead in a suitcase on July 18. The suitcase was discovered by a homeless man in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of Athens.
Ms Ross is believed to have died between five and seven days before her body was found. During that time, someone was reportedly using her mobile phone to send messages purporting to be from her.
Investigation and arrest
Police identified the victim using fingerprints before analysing video footage to track down the suspect. The 26-year-old man is believed to have put her body in the suitcase and taken it to the abandoned site where it was found.
In the following days, he is said to have used her bank card to withdraw money. Authorities found a replica pistol and knife at his home and have filed a case against him for manslaughter, robbery and violation of weapons laws.
Victim's travels
Ms Ross, understood to be from Edinburgh, arrived in Greece on June 26 and initially stayed with friends in Piraeus. She is then said to have travelled to meet American friends in another part of the Greek capital, although it is unclear if this ever happened.
Official statements
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "Our thoughts are with Elisabeth's family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities."
A Police Scotland spokesperson added: "We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland."
