The parents of missing student Karen Buckley have said they are 'absolutely heartbroken' her remains have been found at a farm.

In a statement issued as the sad news was confirmed by police, John and Marian Buckley said she was a cherished child. especially as she was their only daughter.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and is due to appear before Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal In their statement, the couple said: "Marian and I, together with our sons Brendan, Kieran and Damian, are absolutely heartbroken.

"Karen was our only daughter, cherished by our family and loved by her friends. "She was an outgoing girl, who travelled the world where she met lots of people and thoroughly enjoyed her life. We will miss her terribly.

"We would be very grateful if we could be left alone now to grieve with our family and friends." Miss Buckley, from Cork in Ireland, who disappeared following a night out at a nightclub in Glasgow's west end.

Her remains were found late on Thursday evening during extensive searches by police and forensic teams at a farm in Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, some six miles north of the city.

Detective Superintendent Jim Kerr, the officer leading the inquiry, thanked the public for their support during the massive hunt for Miss Buckley.

He said: "We cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering of Karen's family and friends and all our thoughts are with them at this very sad time. "We would like publicly to thank everyone for their support to the investigation.

"This case has attracted a significant amount of public interest here in Scotland and in Ireland, and the response and support from the community in Glasgow and beyond has been very, very helpful.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone including the news media, for their immense support throughout."

Friends raised the alarm on Sunday morning after the 24-year-old failed to return from the Sanctuary nightspot

A four-day search led police to High Craigton Farm. Her family were immediately informed that the remains were likely to those of her daughter and it was confirmed this afternoon officially.

Miss Buckley moved to Scotland in February and was a first-year occupational therapy student at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Friends of Miss Buckley have raised more than £30,000 to help her family, who travelled to Scotland from Cork when their daughter was reported missing.

Ireland's minister for foreign affairs Charlie Flanagan said thoughts and prayers were with her parents John and Marian.

He said: "On behalf of the government, I wish to express appreciation for all that has been done by the Scottish authorities, and especially Police Scotland in Glasgow, to find Karen and to support the Buckley family throughout this very difficult time."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts today are very much with the family and friends of Karen Buckley."

Police remained at the farm off the A809 Bearsden to Drymen road this morning, with several officers standing guard at the entrance to the site.

The area around eight miles from the Sanctuary was cordoned off at around 6pm yesterday.

Searches had previously focused on Dawsholm Park, where Miss Buckley's handbag was found on Tuesday, and a property in the city's Dorchester Avenue.

Police dogs, divers and a helicopter crew were all tasked in the hunt for the student.

She told friends at the nightspot on Dumbarton Road that she was going to the toilet at around 1am but failed to return and did not have her jacket with her.

People in Glasgow and beyond reacted on social media to the discovery of remains this morning.

Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness said: "Very sad news this morning that Scottish Police in their search for Cork student Karen Buckley have found a body. Heartbreakingly sad."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "Terrible news from the Police regarding Karen Buckley. Thinking and praying for her family and loved ones this morning."

Labour's shadow Scottish secretary Margaret Curran said: "Awful news about Karen Buckley. My thoughts are with her family and friends."

Before trained nurse Miss Buckley moved to Glasgow she worked at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex.

Police investigating her disappearance said she had travelled widely and knew how to take care of herself.

At a press conference on Tuesday John and Marian pleaded for information about their only daughter.

They are being supported by sons Brendan, 32, Kieran, 28 and Damian, 27.

A fundraising page set up last night by Miss Buckley's University of Limerick nursing classmates has raised more than £16,500.

They hope the cash will help her family meet costs while they are in Scotland.

A note on the gofundme page said: "A huge thank you to everyone for your kind words and amazing donations - the response has been overwhelming.

"We hope that what has been raised will be of help in any way possible to Karen's family."

William Crean, Catholic Bishop of Cloyne, led prayers for the student yesterday.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) said: "The GCU community is deeply saddened by the recent police reports in the media regarding Karen Buckley.

"Our thoughts are with Karen's family, friends and classmates at this very difficult time.

"GCU's student support service, our academic staff and the advice centre at @GCUSA are available to any students who need support."

The Sanctuary nightclub will not open tonight as a mark of respect for Miss Buckley.

A message on the nightclub's Facebook page said: "Heartbreaking news about Karen Buckley, our thoughts are with all her family and friends at this difficult time.

"As a mark of respect for Karen, we will not be opening the Sanctuary tonight. RIP Karen."