PAIGE: MAN HELD
DRAMATIC TURN IN HUNT AFTER MISSING 15-YEAR-OLD’S BODY FOUND IN WOODLAND
AMAN has been arrested in connection with the death of 15-year-old Paige Doherty.
The teenager was last spotted at a deli in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, on Saturday morning.
The schoolgirl had been due to catch a bus to her parttime hairdressing job but never arrived at the salon.
Her body was found two days later in bushes at the side of Great Western Road, a busy route connecting Clydebank and Glasgow.
Police Scotland said last night that a 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the girl’s death.
He is being held in police custody and is expected to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Saturday.
The arrest follows intense police activity in the areas around where Paige was last seen, at about 8.20am on Saturday, and where her body was eventually found.
Specialist forensic officers had been searching a deli yesterday. Officers could also be seen examining a property in a nearby street.
Paige’s mother, Pamela Munro, said the family is “devastated” by the teenager’s death.
She said in an earlier statement released through police: “We are absolutely devastated that we have lost our beautiful little girl.”
The alarm was raised when Paige failed to arrive at the hairdressers in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, where she worked.
The arrest comes two days after police appealed for information and said they were trying to track Paige’s last known movements.
Speaking at the time, senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Duncan Sloan described her as a “very independent young lady” and a “young, friendly girl with plenty of friends”.
He said last night: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contacted us. The response has been outstanding.”
A report will now be sent to the procurator fiscal.
Local people laid flowers and toys and pinned messages of condolence on the roadside railings near to where her body was discovered.
One read: “Our little dancing queen Paige, sleep tight. You’re forever in our memories and hearts. RIP, love Helen and Robert.”
Another said: “Fly high Paige. Such a beautiful, kind hearted wee girl. So glad to have had you in my life. So many amazing memories. Always in our hearts, love you always. Alex and Rosie.”
And one said: “RIP Paige, our wee pal. Always in our thoughts and hearts. Shine bright angel, love Conor and Shay.”
Two pink teddy bears were also left at the scene, one clutching a star which read “twinkle twinkle little star”.
Another message, pinned to a bunch of flowers, read: “To princess Paige, shine bright like a diamond.”
A memorial service is due to be held for Paige on Saturday at Whitecrooks park. Police have warned mourners not to use Chinese lanterns as the park is in direct line of the Glasgow Airport flightpath.
In memory of Paige, the landmark Titan Crane in Clydebank was being lit pink on Thursday.
Two fundraising pages to help Paige’s family meet funeral costs and other expenses collected more than £14,000 a day after they were set up.