Schoolgirl Alesha McPhail's death on Bute is murder, say police

Police on the Isle of Bute have confirmed the death of Alesha MacPhail is being treated as murder.

The 6 year old from Airdrie's body was found in woodland on the island yesterday.

She was visiting with her dad and grandparents in Rothesay, where she was reported missing from.

The schoolgirl was a pupil at Chapelside Primary. Her head teacher described her as a smiley, happy young girl who'll be greatly missed

Floral tributes have been laid near the house where she was staying.

Forensics officers have been conducting enquiries at several locations in Rothesay and officers are continuing to carry out door to door enquiries and gathering any private or public CCTV footage for review. They are also carrying out signifcant door to door enquiries in an effort to establish what may have happened to Alesha.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston, the Senior Investigating Officer said:

“The body recovered in woodland in Ardbeg Road can be confirmed as that of 6 year old Alesha MacPhail who was reported missing around 6.25am on Monday 2 July. The investigation into her death is now being treated as murder.

“Alesha's family is utterly devastated and we are continuing to provide them with the support they require at this incredibly distressing time. Alesha had lots of friends who will no doubt find it very difficult to comprehend why they will never see their friend again. Like any other six year old, Alesha was looking forward to enjoying her holidays from primary school and was only a few days into a three week summer break visiting relatives on the island.

"For such a young girl to have her life taken away is incomprehensible.

"Again, I would like to reiterate that I am particularly interested in speaking to anyone who was involved in the search for Alesha. What did they see? Where did they search? Please let us know. You may think that the information you hold is insignificant, however, please contact us and let us be the judge of that.

"Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Ardbeg Road, where she was staying on Sunday evening, into the early hours of Monday morning or where her body was found? Please get in touch.

“Any information, however small, may help this investigation. I would urge anyone with information to contact the police as soon as possible. It is imperative that we find who is responsible for Alesha's murder.”

Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren, Divisional Commander of Argyll and West Dunbartonshire said:

“Every available resource from across Police Scotland is being made available to this major investigation. Our absolute priority is catching the person responsible for this horrendous act as quickly as possible.

“I understand that there will be a high level of concern among people living in this close knit community but I want to reassure people that everything possible is being done.

"Incidents such as this are extremely rare but we are still in the early stages of this investigation and we would ask people to be vigilant about their children and also their household security.

"The island community needs to pull together at times like this and we need their help - anyone with any information, please come forward. We are working with a number of partner agencies during this inquiry including local authorities and health boards.

"Additional police officers and other resources have travelled to the island and high visibility patrols have been stepped up, with these additional officers patrolling 24 hours a day. If anyone has any concerns, or has any information, they can approach these officers. We also have an incident caravan situated on the island which is staffed 24 hours."

People can phone the dedicated incident room at Rothesay Police Office via 101, quoting incident number 0695 of Monday 2 July.

Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed in confidence.