Relieve murder clean up burden- McInnes

12.00.00am GMT Wed 16th Jan 2008

Alison McInnes today backed calls for Government to take on the costs of cleaning up after murders.

Between 20 and 30 Scottish families a year face the costs of cleaning up after a murder in their home, ranging from £200 to £3000.

McInnes has signed a motion lodged by Liberal Democrat Justice spokesman Margaret Smith, calling on the Scottish Government to establish a fund to support households in this predicament.

Commenting, McInnes said "It is unacceptable that those who have lost family members in the most distressing of all circumstances are responsible for the grim task of arranging a clean up."

She added, "Because of the small numbers involved this matter has not been considered by Parliament before, and I congratulate Margaret Smith for addressing an unglamorous issue."