A body of a young boy has been found and a person has been detained by police investigating the disappearance of missing Edinburgh three year old Mikaeel Kular.
The body was found in Fife shortly before midnight.
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable, Malcolm Graham, said: “The investigation into the disappearance of Mikaeel Kular has been wide-ranging and fast moving.
“As a result of enquiries the body of a young child was recovered in Fife just before midnight.
“We strongly believe this to be the body of Mikaeel.
“A person has been detained in connection with the recovery of the body and members of Mikaeel’s family have been informed of the recovery.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with them at this time.
“I would like to thank everyone who has responded to these highly unusual events by assisting with searches and other activities in support of this investigation.
“As a result of this development clearly there will now be no requirement for any further help in relation to searches in the Drylaw area.
“I would also like to acknowledge the overwhelming public response to requests for information, assistance and sightings. As ever, the Police rely on the vital support of those who live and work within our communities.
“I am sure you will understand that I am unable to answer any further questions as the investigation continues.”
Mikaeel was reported missing from his home in Ferry Gait Crescent by his mother Rosdeep on Thursday morning.
She told police that she had put him to bed around 9pm on Wednesday night and when she went to wake him at 7.15am the following morning he was not in his bed.
Since then there has been a huge public response and comprehensive searches have been carried out in the Muirhouse, Silverknowes and Cramond areas.
Over 200 members of the public joined emergency services at the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre and were deployed by experienced search coordinators.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
