The family of Karen Buckley have said they are "absolutely heartbroken" by the news that the body discovered in north Glasgow is that of Karen Buckley.

In a statement Jim Buckley, Karen's father, said Karen was a "cherished" daughter and "loved by her friends."

“Marian and I, together with our sons Brendan, Kieran and Damien, are absolutely heartbroken," he said.

“Karen was our only daughter, cherished by our 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.

“We would be very grateful if we could now be left alone to grieve with our family and friends,” he added.

Shortly after 4pm today, Police Scotland confirmed that the body discovered on a farm north of Glasgow last night is that of Karen Buckley. Ms Buckley had been missing since the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Irish Nurse and Midwives Organisation, of which Ms Buckley was a member, has released a statement this afternoon.

"The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is extending sympathy, on behalf of all its members, to the family, friends and nursing colleagues of Karen Buckley," the statement said.

"Karen was a member of the INMO as a student nurse in University Hospital, Limerick.

"Her family and her former colleagues in UHL are in out thoughts and prayers, at this very difficult time."