Police have confirmed that the body of missing Alesha MacPhail has been found.
Alesha, who was staying with her dad and gran at their home in Rothesay, Isle of Bute, was reported as missing at around 6.25am yesterday.
Her body was then discovered by police in the grounds of a derelict hotel around half a mile away at 9am, reports the Mirror.
Advert
Relatives were 'devastated' by what had happened, with Alan McGuire - the partner of Alesha's cousin Lisamarie - confirming that Alesha was visiting her gran on Bute when the tragedy took place.
Alan told the Mirror: "Alesha would go to Bute quite often to visit her gran and this was just a regular visit.
Advert
"We are devastated about what has happened because she was a lovely wee girl.
"At the moment we simply don't know what is happening."
Neighbours in Rothesay were also shocked by the terrible news, having been woken by police officers searching for the youngster.
One woman told the Mirror: "We were woken up at 7am by police saying a young girl was missing and asking us to check our back gardens and sheds, then we heard the sad news."
Another man who lives nearby said: "We heard the choppers circulating from around 8am.
Advert
"They were flying really low, obviously searching for something. It stopped about an hour later.
"I was so upset when I heard what had happened. It's such a close community so to think of a wee girl coming to harm so close to you and no one could help her is just heartbreaking."
Her body was found at about 9am on Monday, just hours after she was reported as missing.
Det Supt 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.
Advert
"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 has 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."
Advert
He added: "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."
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: UK News, News, UK, Scotland