DETECTIVES are asking anyone who helped search for missing Alesha MacPhail to come forward as they warn locals not to be alarmed.

Police Scotland has confirmed an investigation is underway after the body of a six-year-old girl, named locally as Alesha, was found in woodland on the Isle of Bute.

Read more: Girl whose body was found in Rothesay named as Alesha McPhail

Around 6.25am, police received a report that a child was missing and a large scale search was undertaken to locate her.

At 9am, the body of a young female child was found in woodland on Ardberg Road, Rothesay, by a member of the public.

Formal identification is still to take place, however, police said it is believed to be Alesha MacPhail.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston from Police Scotland's Major Investigation Teams said: "This death of a six-year-old child has shocked the tight knit community of Rothesay and it is imperative that we find out what has happened.

"This investigation is at its very early stages however I am appealing for information in order to piece together Alesha's last known movements.

Read more: Girl whose body was found in Rothesay named as Alesha McPhail

"We know that once the alarm was raised about her being missing, there were a number of local people who assisted with the search.

"I would like to speak to anyone who was involved in that search who have not yet been spoken to by the police.

"This is to ensure that everyone that was in the vicinity of Ardbeg Road at the time is traced as they may have critical information which could assist with the investigation.

Read more: Girl whose body was found in Rothesay named as Alesha McPhail

An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the death.

Officers will be carrying out door-to-door enquiries as well as speaking to local residents and visitors to the island coming from the ferry route.

Mr Houston added: "I must reiterate that this death is still being treated as unexplained at this time, however I would like to reassure the public that this type of incident is rare.

"I understand that there are real concerns in the community however please be assured that a team of detectives are working on this investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading up to death of this young child.

Read more: Girl whose body was found in Rothesay named as Alesha McPhail

"Specially trained officers are supporting the family during this incredibly difficult time.

"If anyone has any information please contact police with that information.

"You might think it is insignificant however please let us be the judge of that, and contact us immediately."

If anyone has any information, they are asked to call officers at the Major Investigations Teams via 101.

Read more: Girl whose body was found in Rothesay named as Alesha McPhail

Superintendent Brian Gibson added: "Our officers have been working very closely with the detectives from the Major Investigation Teams on this inquiry.

"I'd like to reassure the public that whilst they will be very concerned, additional officers will be in the area if anyone has any specific concerns, so please speak to them.

"Similarly, if anyone has any information they wish to provide to police, they can do so by speaking to any of these officers."

Read more: Girl whose body was found in Rothesay named as Alesha McPhail