Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren appealed for people to pull together.
The close-knit island community of Bute was shocked after a six-year-old girl was found dead in woodland near Port Bannatyne after being reported missing earlier that day.
As a murder investigation was launched on Tuesday July 3, senior investigating officer, DS Stuart Houston said: ‘The body recovered in woodland in Ardbeg Road can be con-frmed as that of six-year-old Alesha MacPhail, who was reported missing around 6.25am on Monday July 2. ‘Alesha’s family is utterly devastated and we are continuing to provide them with the support they require at this incredibly distressing time.’