Fundraiser launched to help family of murdered Donegal grandmother

A fundraiser has been launched to aid the family of a Donegal woman found murdered in Scotland in the days before Christmas.

Ann Coll, a 61-year-old grandmother who hailed from Gweedore, was found dead at a flat in Rutherglen in the early hours of December 22.

Police Scotland launched a murder probe after a postmortem examination confirmed her death as being suspicious. Detectives investigating her death believe she was the victim of a ‘violent attack’.

Now, friends of the family have rallied around in support of her three children and her grandchildren.

A GoFundMe has been launched and over £4,280 has been raised so far.

"We are looking to raise funds on behalf of Kris, Nicola, Stephanie and all of their family following the tragic death of their beautiful mum, Ann,” the fundraiser page says.

"Ann was a much loved mum, gran, sister, auntie and friend and was adored by all that knew her.

"She touched the hearts of all around her and will never ever be forgotten.

"Anything you can donate, no matter how big or small, would make a massive difference during this horrific time, ensuring Ann gets the send off she deserves."

Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters described the murder of Ms Coll as being as the result of ‘a violent attack’ with a weapon, the type of which was not disclosed.

"She was last seen going into her common close around 8.30pm,” Detective Chief Inspector Watters said.

"We know she spoke to family around 9.15pm on Thursday evening (December 21) and she was home, safe and happy at the time."

Ms Coll hailed from Arduns in Gweedore and has relatives living in west Donegal.

CCTV footage obtained by media in Scotland showed Ms Coll visiting her local shop to buy cigarettes on December 19 at 8.46am.

Accompanied by her believed border collie, Ms Coll - who was said to visit the shop multiple times each day - then made the short walk to her home.

The footage is among the last known sightings of Ms Coll.

Detective Chief Inspector Watters said:

“We are fully committed to tracing the person or people responsible as soon as possible, and I am asking the public for their help. 

“We have been carrying out extensive enquiries to piece together Ann’s movements and the circumstances leading up to her death. We are studying a wide range of CCTV from the local area and have been speaking to residents and friends of Ann.

“If you hold information and haven’t yet spoken to police, I ask you to get in touch with us urgently as it may be vital to our inquiry.”

Officers are scouring through CCTV footage from local businesses and homes in a bid to piece together the mysterious death. A large police presence remained in the area in the days after the body was located.

An online portal has been set up to allow members of the public to send information directly to the police. This can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S45-PO1

Anyone with information can also call 101, quoting reference 0110 of 22 December, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.