Man arrested after major search for missing 11-year-old girl

Police Scotland and members of the public joined in a mass hunt after a schoolgirl disappeared in Galashiels on Sunday.

Man arrested after major search for missing 11-year-old girl in Galashiels Stephen Barnes via iStock

An arrest has been made after a major search was launched for an 11-year-old girl in the Borders.

Police Scotland and members of the public joined in a mass hunt after a schoolgirl disappeared in Galashiels on Sunday.

After a frantic search effort lasting more than 24 hours, the child was found “safe and well” on Monday.

She was traced at a property in the Galashiels area around 9.30pm.

The 53-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the girl’s disappearance, police confirmed.

Police Scotland said enquiries into the incident continued.

A spokesperson for the force said: “A 53-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of an 11-year-old girl from Galashiels, who was reported missing on Sunday, 5 February, 2023.

“The girl was traced at a property in the Galashiels area around 9.30pm on Monday, 6 February.

“Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.”