The family of murdered Amanda Duffy are amongst those who have sent messages of support to the loved ones of tragic Amber Gibson.
The 16-year-old's body was found in woods in Hamilton on Sunday after she had been reported missing two days earlier.
The discovery was made less than a mile from where the body of 19-year-old drama student Amanda Duffy was found in 1992.
Amanda had been strangled and brutally beaten but the prime suspect in the case was later cleared of her murder on the controversial ‘not proven’ verdict.
Amanda’s dad Joe, who later set up The Manda Centre offering support to those experiencing trauma, yesterday joined members of the community in sending condolences to Amber’s family.
He said: “From myself and all of the Duffy family, we would send our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
“It’s absolutely tragic and we hope they can find their way through it.
“If there’s anything we can do to help, please get in touch.”
Amber, who was also known by the surname Niven, was last seen on the town’s Cadzow Street at around 9.55pm on Friday night before being reported missing from her home in Hillhouse on Saturday morning.
Her body was found in a wooded area at Cadzow Glen on Sunday at 10.10am and Police Scotland confirmed it had launched a murder probe on Tuesday night.
At a press conference in Hamilton on Wednesday, Detective Superintendent Raymond Brown sent his heartfelt condolences to Amber’s loved ones.
He said: "Amber was a young 16-year-old girl at the start of her life. Obviously, like every young kid at that age she was out, doing what a young girl would do.
“Our focus is to understand Amber’s last movements, so that we can provide some answers to their loved ones.”
Amber’s family are said to be “absolutely devastated” and being supported by specialist officers.
It was announced on Wednesday night that a 19-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with the teenager's death.
Meanwhile, locals have spoken of their shock at the revelation that the teen had allegedly been murdered.
One resident said: “I visit that park all the time and I would never have imagined this would happen.
“I am scared to use it in future.”
Lanarkshire charity FAMS (Families Affected by Murder and Suicide) has also offered its support to those struggling with grief.
Co founder Ann Marie Cocozza said: “FAMS have watched these tragic events unfold in the community in recent days.
“We are experienced in dealing with this sort of trauma and are hear to offer support to the community, including anyone at all who has been touched by the loss of Amber.”
South Lanarkshire Council chiefs also pledged to do all they could to support Police Scotland’s investigation after it emerged she had been under their care.
It is understood that Amber had been staying in a nearby residential care home before her tragic death.
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