A 16-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the death of six-year-old Alesha MacPhail on the Isle of Bute, Police Scotland said.
The teenager will remain in custody and is expected to appear at Greenock Sheriff Court tomorrow.
Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston announced the youngster, who was arrested on Wednesday night, had now been charged to journalists outside the island's Rothesay police station.
He praised Alesha's parents for their "incredible bravery" during what has been an "unimaginable ordeal".
Houston said: "Officers and staff from across Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority have been involved in what has been a difficult and challenging investigation during which they have worked tirelessly to bring us to where we are today."
Houston added: "I'd like to take this opportunity to personally thank Alesha's family who have shown incredible bravery through what has been an unimaginable ordeal during these past few days.
"I'd also like to thank local people for all their support and assistance during this major investigation on the island. The response to our appeals was significant both from those living here and the wider community of Scotland.
"The people of the Isle of Bute have rallied together since Alesha was first reported missing on Monday morning and I would stress that social media speculation relating to members of the community is both misleading and inaccurate.
"The family has also received considerable support from Alesha's home town of Airdrie, which was reflected in the memorial service held at her school."
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