Tearful Glasgow vigil held for tragic student Karen Buckley

Friends and neighbours of student Karen Buckley last night held a tearful silent vigil to mark her tragic death.

They gathered in a community park close to where she lived to pay their respects the second vigil to mark the student’s life in as many days.

Around 150 locals from Garnethill, Glasgow, came together to show their support for the family of the 24-year-old, who vanished while on a night out in the city last weekend.

The gathering saw people leave floral tributes and cards of support around a central display of candles.

Neighbours of all ages attended for a moment of quiet reflection, while some hugged each other for support.

A major police search was launched when occupational therapy student Karen, from County Cork in Ireland, disappeared shortly after leaving Sanctuary nightclub.

Her body was found at High Craigton Farm on the north-western outskirts of Glasgow following a four-day search.

Chairperson of the local community council Jane Sutherland, who organised the event, said that everyone was deeply shocked by her death.

She said: “Karen’s loss is just dreadful for her family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

“The vigil is just the neighbourly thing to do. Garnethill is a small community and pretty tight-knit.

“We’ve come together to support each other, and it’s fair to say there has been a lots of hugging and shoulder cried on.”

One card left by Sara Russell, a colleague of Miss Buckley, read: “Was more than a pleasure, an honour working with you on Sunders Ward.

“Still can’t believe any of this is true. One day we will met again and get that night out we both wanted. “Always in my thoughts.”

An Irish flag was also left. It read: “United in grief for our sleeping angel. Thoughts and prayers with your family. Forever in our thoughts.”

Local priest Father Tim Curtis said the vigil was an important part of the healing process.

“I think you can see from the amount of people who have come out this event to attend, the community has been deeply affected by what happened,” he said.

The tragic case has touched many people in both Scotland and Ireland, with services held in Karen’s home town and a vigil in Glasgow’s George Square on Friday, which attracted around 300 people including Karen’s parents.

Devastated Marian Buckley hugged husband John as they read messages of sorrow and support for the family.

Yesterday, politicians also took time out of General Election campaigning to offer their condolences to the Buckley family.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “My thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Karen Buckley.”

Jim Murphy began Labour’s Scottish manifesto launch in Glasgow by saying: “My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone in the room go out to Karen’s family.

“None of us can in anyway imagine the pain and horror that they are going through. Glasgow and Scotland stands with you.”

In Ireland too, tributes have been paid to Miss Buckley.

Karen’s former school principal, Susan O’Keefe, said: “She was a beautiful girl and she was a great pupil.”

Alexander Pacteau has appeared in court charged with Ms Buckley’s murder.

The 21-year-old is also accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

He made no plea during a private hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court and was remanded in custody.