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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Antony Thrower

Urgent police search to find missing girl, 11, as 'foul play' cannot be ruled out

Police have launched an urgent appeal to find a missing 11-year-old girl as they revealed they cannot rule out foul play.

The girl was last seen at about 5.45pm on Sunday in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders in the town centre.

Police Scotland say there was a possible further sighting of her walking alone 10 minutes later, heading in the direction of her home.

Her desperate family were out searching the town throughout last night for the missing schoolgirl.

Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton, said they are growing ‘increasingly concerned’ for the girl’s welfare.

She said in a press conference earlier today: “As you can imagine, her family are facing the most distressing of times and are longing to know she has been traced safe and well.

Police Scotland have launched a huge search for the missing schoolgirl (PA)

"While I have an extensive number of resources and specialists working tirelessly to trace and find Kaitlyn safely, I am urging and appealing to the public to help us in that regard.

"I have no information at this time to suggest she has come to any specific harm so we are continuing to keep an open mind, and continuing to do all we can to trace her safe and well."

When last seen, she was wearing a white jumper, brown trousers and boots.

The family were out all last night searching for Kaitlyn (PA)

Specialist divers were searching for the young girl on Monday.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Border Search and Rescue Unit, volunteers and specialist teams from Police Scotland, including investigators and air support, are involved in search for Kaitlyn.

The public have been asked to contact police with any information or footage that they have which could help with their investigation.

Police Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton speaking to the media outside Galashiels Police Station (PA)

A portal has also been set up to provide any details which could be of help to officers involved in the search.

Family friend Nicola Forrest raised the alarm on social media on Sunday night.

In a post on Facebook she said: "TMissing from Galashields, police out looking, last seen Scott Street, Meigle Street and Riddle Dunble area at 2pm.

"Left her friends at half 5, please share. Worried sick. She's only just turned 11. Her mum is my best friend and worried sick."

A family friend said Kaitlyn's mum is "worried sick" (PA)

In later posts this morning Nicola added: "Searched all of Gala, police have sent dogs into the water, still searching.

“I appreciate everyone who's messaged me, please believe the police have checked everything so far, she hasn't got on a train, her phone is off, location off on Snapchat, police and family out looking.

“Will update more as I get more info."

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