Police have maintained a presence at a Scottish beauty spot for a third day after an 11-year-old girl was found dead in the water. The youngster was reported missing on Thursday afternoon, August 6, after being last seen near Shanks Bridge in Gorebridge, Midlothian.
Discovery and response
A police search took place in Gore Glen Woodland Park, near Gorebridge, on Thursday. Officers found the schoolgirl at 4.25pm and pronounced her dead at the scene. Her family have been informed and have asked the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the tragedy.
Police have cordoned off the woodland park, with officers stationed behind police tape blocking access to the walking route under Shank Bridge. The bridge carries the A7 road over the Gore Water.
Tributes and ongoing investigation
A single bouquet of flowers was left at the side of the bridge as a tribute. Friends, neighbours and local community members have expressed their condolences. Kirsty McNeill, MP for Midlothian, said: "There are no words for how devastating this news is. Thinking of her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Two ambulances, a special operations team and a critical care paramedic from the Scottish Ambulance Service were dispatched to the scene. The girl, believed to be from the local area, has not yet been formally identified. The death is being treated as unexplained, with a post mortem expected in due course.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We were made aware of concern for an 11-year-old girl in the Gore Glen area, near Gorebridge, around 12.40pm on Thursday August 6. The body of the girl was found in the Gore Water near to Shank Bridge around 4.25pm."
