A boy has appeared in court charged with the rape and murder of six-year-old Alesha MacPhail, who was found dead on the Isle of Bute.
The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, made a private appearance at Greenock Sheriff Court today whereby he made no plea.
He will be remanded in custody ahead of a second court appearance later in July.
Alesha MacPhail was reported missing at around 6.25am on Monday morning and her body was found in woodland on the site of a former hotel in Ardbeg Road less than three hours later.
A number of additional police officers travelled to the island to provide support to the investigation team and to continue to provide reassurance to those in the community.
Children, parents and carers affected by events in Rothesay are reminded that support is available. You can get in touch with your local council and @children1st run ParentLine Scotland – https://t.co/pqUauYeEgv
— Police Scotland (@policescotland) July 6, 2018
On Thursday, Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston said Alesha’s family had shown “incredible bravery through what has been an unimaginable ordeal”, and he thanked local people on Bute for their assistance in the investigation.