Two Lithuanian men have been arrested in connection with the discovery of a woman's severed head and hands which were found on a Scottish beach.

The woman, whose remains were found on a beach in Arbroath, has been named as 35-year-old Jolanta Bledaite of Alytus, Lithuania. Tayside Police said the men, aged 19 and 40, were taken into custody this morning but have not been charged.

The grim find, wrapped in black plastic bags, was made on Arbroath beach on Tuesday and last night forensic experts were examining what are thought to be two other "small" body parts found by coastguards on the shore at Carnoustie, eight miles away.

The description of issued by police to the media of Ms Bledaite's remains brought an almost instant response from her employer who had been concerned when she did not report for work as normal on Monday morning.

He provided her address and on Wednesday evening police converged on Earlsdon House in Southesk Street, a three floored-whitewashed building in the centre of the town and immediately sealed it off.

Ms Bledaite shared a three-bedroom flat, one of seven in the premises.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham McMillan, who is heading the inquiry, had said that the police were confident they would be able to make a positive identification but that her name would not be released until the authorities in her native country confirmed that her next of kin had been informed.

DCI McMillan said she had been working in the Brechin area as an "unskilled casual labourer" for around 18 months.

He said he understood she had been living in the flat for some time. DCI McMillan said an extensive forensic operation was under way at the flat and that was expected to continue for at least two days. "We are looking at trying to establish the cause of death of this woman. There is nothing to suggest it did occur there (Earlsdon House) although we don't want to rule anything out at this time.

"We've got a fairly complex and prolonged investigation ahead of us and are certainly seeking the help of the public to establish the woman's movements over her last few days, her lifestyle, and anyone who witnessed anything suspicious."

DCI MacMillan urged anyone who lives in the Southesk Street area of Brechin who may have seen anything suspicious to contact the police.