Police praise community spirit in hunt for missing Mikaeel

Police in Edinburgh have praised the community spirit shown by the public as they continue their search for three-year-old Mikaeel Kular who has now been missing for over 36 hours.

The young boy has not been seen since 9pm on Wednesday night when his mother put him to bed in the family home in the capital’s Ferry Gait Crescent.

She reported him missing yesterday morning at 7.15am when she discovered he was not in his bed.

An extended search is currently being coordinated from the North Neighbourhood Centre in West Pilton Gardens where members of the public have congregated before been briefed by police officers.

Inspector David Happs from Drylaw Police Station told volunteers: “I thank you all for your patience. It is important to us that you are supplementing the search and complimenting us in what we are doing. It is important that we get an idea of who is all here to marry up who is going out and who is searching so that we can track you when you come back in.

“Health and safety is very important. It is dry just now and reasonably warm and sunny but that can change. Jackets and wellington boots are available.

“The community spirit has been fantastic and that is absolutely recognised by ourselves and I would give my sincere thanks to everybody who has come out and helped so far and it’s great to see that continuing today.

“The search today is going to continue along the Silverknowes and Crammond area and the intention is to get down there just now and deploy from there. Our search advisers will deploy people in groups and get a systematic and thorough search of that area done.

“I realise that was done yesterday as well, but it is important that we have the confidence that this is done absolutely thoroughly.

“A number of businesses have offered their help regarding refreshments which is fantastic and information will be put out on our twitter page regarding that and the Neighbourhood Centre has agreed to open up and provide facilities.”

Supt Liz McAinsh said: “Significant Policing resources were deployed throughout the night but there is still no trace of Mikaeel.

“There has been a fantastic response from the public with the dedicated phone number, which we issued yesterday, receiving numerous calls. However, we continue to urge anyone who may have information relating to Mikaeel’s disappearance or current whereabouts, who hasn’t yet contacted us, to get in touch via 0300 200 0200.

“As people are awakening again, I repeat our requests for them to be vigilant and check out any area where they see something different or out of place. Also to revisit their gardens, sheds and outhouses – even if they checked them yesterday.

“Today, we are continuing with our search using specialist officers, Police dogs and horses and the air support unit.

“We recognise that the local community is eager to help and we really appreciate their support.”