Woman in court tomorrow over Mikaeel’s death

Police did not name the woman, although it has been widely reported that Rosdeep Kular, the mother of the missing Edinburgh boy, was being questioned by officers after a child’s body was discovered in Fife, miles from his home.

The development was announced on Saturday night by Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, who said: “During the course of today, the investigation into the disappearance of Mikaeel Kular has continued at pace.

“Following formal identification, I can now confirm that a 33-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with Mikaeel’s death.

“The woman is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.”

Mikaeel’s body found

Officers searching for the three-year-old found remains – now identified as those of Mikaeel – in Kirkcaldy, Fife, shortly before midnight that on Friday, three days after he was reported missing.

Yesterday afternoon his body was removed from a wooded area behind a property in Dunvegan Avenue, Kirkcaldy.

Thanks to volunteers

Mr Graham expressed his thanks to all those who aided police in recent days. More than 500 calls were made by the public to a dedicated phone line set up in the wake of Mikaeel’s disappearance, he revealed.

He said: “I would like to again recognise the overwhelming public assistance that Police Scotland have received during the course of this very complex investigation. This includes his family and friends, with whom our thoughts remain.

“Over 200 civilian volunteers joined the search for Mikaeel within the Pennywell, Muirhouse and Silverknowes areas of Edinburgh during adverse weather conditions and cold temperatures.

Residents of Dunvegan Avenue, around 25 miles away, spoke of their shock at seeing police activity on their street.

Michael Woods, 53, who lives nearby at Floors Place, said he had been following the developing police investigation but was surprised to find officers at the end of his street.

“First it was in Edinburgh, then they said Fife, then Kirkcaldy and now it’s here almost on my doorstep. It’s unsettling,” he said.

“When I heard it was here I just about jumped off my chair.”

Emotional tribute

Dr Bangarpet Krishnaswamy, who is married to Mikaeel’s grandmother, gave an emotional tribute to those who helped search for the little boy, the Sunday Mirror said.

He said: “I would like to thank all the public and the police for the search, which sadly turned out to be a futile.”

I would like to thank all the public and the police for the search, which sadly turned out to be a futile Mikaeel’s grandfather

Floral tributes, soft toys and candles have been placed at a small park in the Drylaw area, round the corner from the flat where Mikaeel lived on Ferry Gait Crescent.

In Edinburgh, around 500 people turned out last night for a memorial service at Muirhouse St Andrew’s Church, less than a mile from the home Mikaeel shared with his mother, twin sister and three other siblings.