A 24-year-old woman has died after a “disturbance” in the west of mainland Shetland.
Police were alerted to an incident in the Sandness area at around 4.55pm on Sunday, February 11.
Emergency services including police, two ambulances and coastguard attended the scene, where the woman was pronounced dead.
A man, 39, was arrested in connection with the woman’s death and an investigation is ongoing led by Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team.
It is understood officers have been focusing their efforts on a property in the area, as well as searches off the water at Melby Pier.
Officers say they are not looking to trace anyone else in connection.
The arrested man was taken to hospital for treatment.
‘Report of a disturbance’
In a statement, Police Scotland said: “Officers were called to the Sandness area around 4.55pm on Sunday 11 February following a report of a disturbance at a property.
“A 24-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
“A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. He was taken to hospital for treatment and inquiries remain ongoing.
“A police presence remains in the area. Inquiries are being led by detectives from Police Scotland’s major investigation team, working with locally based officers.”
Detective Inspector Richard Baird, who is leading the investigation, added: “Our investigation remains ongoing and a visible police presence is likely to remain in the area for the coming days.
“While our work is ongoing, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
“Incidents such as this are thankfully extremely rare in Shetland and we understand that it will have had a significant impact on the local community.
“I would urge anyone who may have information or concerns to approach any of our officers.”
Close-knit Shetland community left in “shock”
Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart said: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased and I extend condolences to them.
“This is a terrible event that has shocked the close-knit Sandness community and indeed wider Shetland.
“I have spoken with the police and understand that they are not looking for anyone else and that inquiries are ongoing.
“My thoughts are also with Police Scotland and other emergency services personnel who attended the scene.”
‘Come as a shock to many’
Shetland Islands Council convener Andrea Manson thanked emergency services for their response.
She said: “Last night’s tragic news from Sandness has come as a shock to many. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who has died and with the whole community affected by this incident.
“I’d like to thank the emergency services – police, ambulance and coastguard – for their response.
“Shetland is generally a safe place to live and work, and events like this are thankfully extremely rare.
“Police Scotland will carry out their investigation into the circumstances and it wouldn’t be appropriate to speculate further on this incident.”
Anyone who may have information can also call 101, quoting reference 2364 of 11 February, 2024, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
