THE father of Mark O'prey has criticised delays in removing his body from the scene of the tragedy.

Speaking outside the Clutha last night, with his three daughters, Ian O'prey, from East Kilbride, said he could not understand why the helicopter had not yet been lifted. He believes his son's body lies beneath it.

Mark was last seen by friends, shortly before the helicopter fell through the roof but his death has yet to be confirmed by police.

Mr O'prey said: "I was watching the news on Saturday and my daughter called to say that Mark was in the Clutha when the helicopter crashed. He is still in there.

"I think it has been handled very badly.

"I'm down here trying to get answers and I can't get any. Why is it taking so long to remove the helicopter?

"They seem to be more concerned about this damn helicopter and maintaining its integrity.

"It's a dreadful situation. No one will come forward and tell me why. The police liaison officers have been in touch with us but they don't know anything."

Ian paid tribute to his son, saying: "He was a gem of a lad."

Residents gathered at St Bride's Church in East Kilbride yesterday to say prayers for Mark.

Michael McCann, Labour MP for East Kilbride, arrived back from a trip to Burma to news of the tragedy.

He said: "Tragically, my constituent, Mark O'prey, is one of the victims.

"Words are blunt tools at times like this and everyone will be in a state of disbelief that he is gone. I'd like to offer condolences to Mr O'prey's family and friends."

John McGarrigle, 59, a poet from Glasgow, is believed to be among the unconfirmed dead.

Sammy McGhee is also reported as missing.

Messages of support were sent to Celtic and Scottish women's footballer Chloe Arthur, whose father Gary was killed in the incident.

The body of Mr Arthur, 48, of Paisley, was recovered from the wreckage of the bar.

Miss Arthur, 18, took to Twitter to say: "RIP dad. You'll always mean the world to me, I promise to do you proud, I love you with all my heart."