Alesha death charge
Cop’s tribute as boy is charged in connection with 6-year-old’s death
POLICE yesterday charged a 16-year-old boy over the death of Alesha MacPhail, six, after her body was found on the Isle of Bute.
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was yesterday charged in connection with the death of six-year-old Alesha MacPhail.
The development came after police taped off a second property about half a mile from the house in Port Bannatyne, on the Isle of Bute, from which she was reported missing early on Monday.
The Record knows the identity of the suspect but can’t name him for legal reasons.
The teenager remained in custody last night and is expected to appear at Greenock Sheriff Court today.
Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston confirmed the teen had been officially charged by police at 4.30pm yesterday.
He said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank Alesha’s family, who have shown incredible bravery through what has been an unimaginable ordeal during these past few days.
“I’d also like to thank local people for their support and assistance during this major investigation. The response to our appeals was significant from those living here and the wider community of Scotland.
“The people of the Isle of Bute have rallied together since Alesha was first reported missing on Monday morning and I would stress that social media speculation relating to members of the community is both misleading and inaccurate.
“The family has also received considerable support from Alesha’s home town of Airdrie which was reflected in the memorial service held at her school.
“Officers and staff from across Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority have been involved in what has been a difficult and challenging investigation during which they have worked tirelessly to bring us to where we are today.
“As I have said previously, incidents such as this are extremely rare and while the police investigation will continue, I hope today’s announcement brings some reassurance to everyone in the local community.
“It is understandable that recent event s will have shocked communities across Scotland, no more so than on Bute and in Airdrie.”
Alesha’s body was discovered within woodland in the grounds of a disused hotel just after 9am on Monday - less than three hours after she was reported missing.
The youngster, who lived with her mum in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, had been staying with her dad and grandparents at their home on Ardbeg Road after starting her school holidays. Police taped off an area around another Ardbeg Road property 800 yards away at about 11am yesterday.
Officers also combed an area of beachfront near the property using sticks and searched residents’ gardens.
Meanwhile, stunned locals reacted to the news of the arrest.
One islander said: “This is earth-shattering. It has taken our breath away.”
A friend of Alesha’s grandparents said: “It was the first week of school holidays. She should have been out enjoying herself.
“She had the rest of her life ahead of her. We can’t seem to process this and have left the family to grieve.”
Alesha’s dad Rab MacPhail, 25, and gran Angela King, 46, reported her missing at 6.25am on Monday.
Angela posted a message on Facebook asking people to help search for the youngster.
Alesha’s mum Georgina Lochrane, 23, who was on the mainland at the time, posted a reply pleading “someone tell me what’s happened” shortly before it emerged that her body had been found. Police Scotland initially described the youngster’s death as “unexplained” but a post mortem concluded that Alesha had been murdered.
The news was revealed at a press conference on Tuesday night.
Detectives warned islanders to look out for their children and appealed for anyone who was in the Ardbeg Road area of Bute on Sunday night or in the early hours of Monday to come forward.
They have also been appealing to anyone with CCTV at their home or business, or any motorists with dashcam footage, to contact them.
The day after her death, Alesha’s mum and dad visited the Ardbeg Road house where she was last seen.
Rab was with his new partner Toni McLachlan and mum Georgina broke down in tears as she placed a school photograph of Alesha among tributes left at the scene.
Residents of Bute and Coatbridge have started crowdfunding pages in support of Alesha’s relatives. One had raised £2000 yesterday. Police Scotland said any children, parents and carers who have concerns following the events on Bute should contact the Children 1st ParentLine Scotland, who provide early help, practical and emotional support and information for families.
Any adult concerned about a child can call 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/ parentline-scotland/
This is earth shattering. It has taken our breath away ISLANDER ON NEWS OF TEEN BEING ARRESTED