Body found on Bute in search for missing young girl

Police are treating the death of a young girl on the Isle of Bute as 'unexplained'.

Formal identification is yet to take place, but officers say it is believed to be that of Alesha McPhail.

The six-year-old was reported missing from her Rothesay home at 6.25am on Monday, prompting a large-scale search.

Then at about 9am, the body of a child was found in woodland in Ardberg Road by a member of the public.

An investigation is now underway to ascertain the circumstances of her death.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston from Police Scotland's Major Investigation Teams said: "This death of a 6 year old child has shocked the tight knit community of Rothesay and it is imperative that we find out what has happened.

"This investigation is at its very early stages however I am appealing for information in order to piece together Alesha's last known movements. We know that once the alarm was raised about her being missing, there were a number of local people who assisted with the search.

"I would like to speak to anyone who was involved in that search who have not yet been spoken to by the police. This is to ensure that everyone that was in the vicinity of Ardbeg Road at the time is traced as they may have critical information which could assist with the investigation.

"I must reiterate that this death is still being treated as unexplained at this time, however I would like to reassure the public that this type of incident is rare.

"I understand that there are real concerns in the community however please be assured that a team of detectives are working on this investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading up to death of this young child. Specially trained officers are supporting the family during this incredibly difficult time.

"If anyone has any information please contact police with that information. You might think it is insignificant however please let us be the judge of that, and contact us immediately."

Superintendent Brian Gibson said: "Our officers have been working very closely with the detectives from the Major Investigation Teams on this inquiry. I'd like to reassure the public that whilst they will be very concerned, additional officers will be in the area if anyone has any specific concerns, so please speak to them.

"Similarly, if anyone has any information they wish to provide to police, they can do so by speaking to any of these officers."

Anyone with any information is being asked to call officers at the Major Investigations Teams via 101 quoting incident no 0695 of 2 July 2018.