Girl found dead on Scottish island named as Alesha Macphail
Alesha Macphail was reported missing from Bute at 6.25am on Monday, with a body found three hours later.
Monday 2 July 2018 21:37, UK
A girl found dead on the Scottish island of Bute is believed to be six-year-old Alesha Macphail, police have said.
The child was reported missing from her home in Rothesay at 6.25am on Monday.
Officers launched a search and discovered a body in a woodland on the site of a former hotel less than three hours later.
Although the body is yet to be formally identified, police have said it is believed to be that of the missing child.
They are treating the death as unexplained and have launched an investigation, appealing to the public for help.
Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston, from Police Scotland's major investigation teams, said: "This death of a six-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."
Photographs of Alesha were posted on Facebook and tributes to the youngster have been laid out near her home.
June McKenzie, who lives near Alesha's grandmother, said she was woken at 7am and asked to look for the child.
"I looked in the garage and workshop and we saw that the search and rescue helicopter was out," she said.
"I can't believe it. Her poor parents and gran. It's just appalling - somebody that young.
"The island's just down and will be for some time. Everybody just sticks together."