THE body of a child found in Rothesay this morning has been named locally as Alesha McPhail.
The six-year-old was reported missing around 6.25am and her body was discovered on the site of a former hotel around 9am.
Concerned friends and family flooded social media with messages attempting to trace the youngster prior to the discovery.
MISSING from the Ardbeg Area of BUTE since around 7am this morning. Praying ALESHA is found safe and very soon. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/TQtUCyTwul
— Jamie Murray MSYP (@JamieMurrayMSYP) July 2, 2018
MSYP Jamie Murray, who appealed for her safe return, took to Twitter to express his condolences.
He said: "Utterly tragic and incredibly heartbreaking news.
"My sincerest thoughts are with the family at this devastating time."
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "At around 6.25am this morning, police were informed a six-year-old girl was missing in Rothesay.
"A search was undertaken to try and locate the child.
"At around 9am the body of a young female child was discovered in the grounds of an old hotel, Cames Hydro Hotel.
"An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the incident."
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