Greek police are investigating the death of a Scottish woman whose body was found in a suitcase in Athens. They are trying to trace “American friends” she had planned to meet.
Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, known to her family as Lisa, was discovered in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district on 18 July. A homeless man reportedly made the discovery. She had travelled to Greece from Edinburgh in late June and went missing on 15 July.
Her mobile phone was still transmitting a signal and sending some messages a few days after her death. She had been staying in Athens with Greek friends. She told them that on 15 July she would go to Kypseli, where her “American friends” or acquaintances were. Police sources said officers were looking to identify these individuals.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Greek police told the BBC they were awaiting the outcome of toxicology tests to determine the cause of death and ascertain whether foul play was involved. A post-mortem examination is under way, but police say they cannot yet confirm whether her death is considered murder.
On Wednesday, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed they were providing consular support and were in contact with Greek authorities. First Minister John Swinney called it an “absolutely appalling case” and said her family would be supported by the Scottish government and the FCDO.