Islanders’ beach vigil for murdered schoolgirl

Local people lined a beach on the Isle of Bute last night at a vigil for murdered schoolgirl Alesha Macphail.

Her family and residents lit candles in the tribute to the six-year-old, whom teachers described as “smiley and happy”.

Alesha was staying with her father and grandparents in Ardbeg when she was reported missing last Monday morning.

Her body was discovered in woods nearby about three hours later.

A 16-year-old boy appeared in private before Greenock Sheriff Court on Friday charged with her rape and murder. He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

On social media the #lightforalesha hashtag was flooded with images of candles lit in memory of “a little angel”.

Vigil organiser Carolashley Dickson told STV News: “It’s touched everybody but I don’t think anybody can even imagine what the family are going through right now.”

Meanwhile, a legal expert has warned the public against making comments or posts on social media which would substantially risk prejudicing the 16-year-old’s trial.