Body found in hunt for missing Edinburgh boy

A body has been found and a person detained in connection with the disappearance of three-year-old Mikaeel Kular, police said today.

Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham of Police Scotland said the body of a young boy was recovered in Fife shortly before midnight.

The family of Mikaeel, from Edinburgh, has been informed and the investigation continues, he added.

Mikaeel disappeared after he was put to bed by his mother at their home in Ferry Gait Crescent at 9pm on Wednesday.

Hundreds of volunteers from the local community joined emergency services in the search for the missing boy.

Mr Graham said today: “The investigation into the disappearance of Mikaeel Kular has been wide ranging and fast moving.

“As a result of these inquiries I can confirm that we have recovered the body of a young boy in Fife shortly before midnight. We have informed the family and the investigation continues.

“A person has been detained in connection with the death.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has shown such a fantastic response to the incident in terms of assisting the police with searches and in terms of our appeals for information and coming forward to assist with information.

“Without such vital assistance the police cannot do their job assisting those who live and work in our communities.

“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.”