Cops investigate unexplained death
BY JANE HAMILTON Crime Reporter FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a schoolgirl who was found dead at a beauty spot.
A member of the public discovered 15-year-old Mhari O’Neill’s body on Calton Hill, Edinburgh. Her death is being treated as unexplained.
In a statement, her family said: “Mhairi was much-loved by all who knew her and we know that her passing will have a profound impact on her closest friends, as it has ourselves.
“Mhari was considering applying to attend university and one of her main passions was music. She loved going to gigs.
“What we need now is to find out exactly what happened and we want anyone who thinks they may have information to get in touch with police.”
Ruth McKay, headteacher at Portobello High School, where Mhari was a pupil, said: “Everyone at the school is deeply saddened and shocked.
“Mhari was a lovely, friendly girl who was well-liked by both staff and young people. Her bubbly, outgoing nature and ready smile will be much-missed.”
Mhari’s body was found at about 6.30am on Saturday. The teenager, from the Willowbrae area of Edinburgh, was reported missing earlier that morning.
Detective Inspector Susan Balfour said: “We believe Mhari met a friend in the city centre, near Waverley Station, on Friday afternoon before making her way to Calton Hill sometime later.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen her throughout the evening or early morning of Saturday so we have a clearer picture of all her movements.
“Her movements for a number of hours prior to her body being found are unaccounted for.
“We are committed to providing Mhari’s family with as much information in relation to her death as possible and anyone who can assist with our ongoing inquiry is urged to come forward.”