A six-year-old girl found dead at the site of an old hotel on the Isle of Bute is believed by police to be Alesha MacPhail.

The schoolgirl was reported missing at 6.25am in Rothesay on Monday.

Officers discovered the body around 9am in a wooded area in Ardberg Road by a member of the public.

It was on the site of the former Kyles of Bute Hydropathic Hotel, which was demolished in the 1970s.

A police investigation is under way to ascertain the circumstances of the girl's death, with officers speaking to residents and visitors to the island.

The body is still to be formally identified but officers believe it to be Alesha MacPhail, and her family has been made aware.

Detective superintendent Stuart Houston, from Police Scotland's major investigation team 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.

"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."

He 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.

"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."

Messages on the floral tributes laid outside the homes read "sleep tight little angel" and "forever in our thoughts".

June McKenzie, who lives near Alesha's grandmother on Ardbeg Road, was one of those searching for the youngster.

She said: "We were woken up at 7am and we were told she was missing, could we look for her.

"I looked in the garage and workshop and we saw that the search and rescue helicopter was out.

"I can't believe it.

"Her poor parents and gran. It's just appalling - somebody that young.

"The island's just down and will be for some time. Everybody just sticks together."

Superintendent Brian Gibson said: "Our officers have been working very closely with the detectives from the major investigation team 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."

Anyone with any information is asked to call officers at the major investigations team via 101 quoting incident number 0695 of July 2.

Locals have started to leave flowers and tributes near the police cordon.