Andrew Miller appears in court charged with abduction of 11-year-old girl

A man has appeared in court charged with the abduction of an 11-year-old girl which sparked a major search in the Borders.

Andrew George Miller, also known as Amy, was arrested on Tuesday after a frantic search effort lasting more than 24 hours ended with the child found “safe and well” on Monday.

The 53-year-old, from the Borders, appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday morning facing a charges of threatening and abusive behaviour under Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 and abduction.

He made no plea, was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.

Police cordon remains in place in Gattonside nead Galashiels STV News

He is due to appear at court again within the next eight days.

The missing girl, who had last been seen in Galashiels on Sunday at around 5.30pm, was traced to a property nearby at around 9.30pm on Monday.

A police cordon was set up around a home in Gattonside, a small village east of Galashiels on the opposite side of the River Tweed to Melrose.

Criminal investigation personnel remain at the property with officers going from door to door in the village.

Previously, chief superintendent Catriona Paton, Lothians and Scottish Borders commander, said: “I want to thank the public for their huge effort and assistance during this incident. The people of Galashiels really came together and supported each other, the emergency services and search teams.

“We believe this incident to be contained and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

“There will be increased high visibility patrols in the streets to provide reassurance and advice to the public, and anyone with concerns can speak to an officer at any time.”