Body of missing six-year-old girl found in woodlands on Isle of Bute

Police discover body less than three hours after girl reported missing

The body was found on the site of a former hotel (Getty)

A body has been discovered in the search for a missing six-year-old girl.

Police were alerted to the girl's disappearance from her home in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland early on Monday morning.

After launching a search operation, police discovered a body on the grounds of an old hotel less than three hours later.

A police spokesperson said in a statement: "Around 6.25am this morning police were informed a six year old girl was missing in Rothesay.

"A search was undertaken to try and locate her. Around 9am this morning, the body of a young female child was discovered in woodland in Ardbeg Road.

"An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the incident."

Police would not confirm the identity of the girl or comment on how she died.

Local property developer John Morrison told BBC News that the small size of the island meant the news would greatly impact the community.

He said: "We are going to know the family or someone connected with them.

"It brings it right home, it is such a shock. I feel so sorry for the family at this moment in time."

The Isle of Bute, which has a population of around 6,000, lies off Scotland's west coast and is only accessible by boat.

The island became known in 2015 for accepting the UK's first refugees fleeing the Syrian War, taking in and homing 15 families.