Mikaeel disappearance: 'Mother held' after body discovery

Hundreds of well-wishers turned out this evening for the memorial service at Muirhouse St Andrew's Church. The service took place less than a mile from Mikaeel's home. There was a large queue to get into the church well in advance of the service.

The crowds ultimately filled the 300-capacity building and an overflow room which could hold another 80 people. Men, women and children of all ages lined up to attend the memorial gathering. Some very young children clutched soft toys while a handful of people held lanterns.

At the end of the gathering, all those who had attended exited carrying the remains of candles they had been holding during the service. Some people hugged each other and a Chinese lantern could be seen floating in the skies above the chapel.

Read: Mikaeel disappearance: 'Mother held' after body discovery

The discovery of a body was the desperately sad news that we all woke up to this morning. I was out with the hundreds of volunteers searching in Edinburgh yesterday and everyone was hoping that this would end with Mikaeel being found safe and well.

Many were still out searching in the early hours of this morning when police confirmed that body had been found in Kirkcaldy.

For people who knew Mikaeel, the news has come as a shock. They were following those searches in Edinburgh very closely, so to learn that his body was found beyond the Kular family home has been deeply upsetting.

Tonight police are questioning his mother Rosdeep Kular, and they have until tonight - or tomorrow at the latest - to release or charge her in connection with his death. Tonight, everybody is looking to answer why this little boy had to die.

Read: Mikaeel disappearance - 'Mother held' after body discovery

ITV News Scotland Correspondent Debi Edward has tweeted:

Read: Body discovery a 'tragic development in harrowing story'

Read: Body discovery a 'tragic development in harrowing story'

The local community in the Drylaw area of Edinburgh have left tributes to Mikaeel Kular after police discovered a child's body in Fife late last night.

Police have thanked the community who turned out in force to help police scour the area for the three-year-old.

Edinburgh MSP Colin Keir said the community was united in grief after the discovery which police "strongly believe" is the body of Mikaeel Kular.

Police remain on the Ferry Gait Crescent in Edinburgh close to the home of Mikaeel Kular.

Officers discovered a child's body late last night during their search for the three-year-old and it is understood they have detained Mikaeel's mother as part of the investigation.

Read: Police 'detain Mikaeel Kular's mother' after body found

The discovery of a child's body in Fife, which is though to be missing three-year-old Mikaeel Kular, is a "tragic development in harrowing story", Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has said.

Police officers searching for the three-year-old, who had not been seen since Wednesday, found a body in Kirkcaldy, Fife shortly before midnight last night.

"This is a tragic development in this harrowing story and the news that we have all been dreading. The hearts of everyone across Scotland and beyond have been touched by the events of recent days," Mr Salmond said.

"We should at this difficult time remember the work of the officers of Police Scotland who have responded to this difficult task and investigation and shown such professionalism and dedication.

"Above all the efforts and solidarity of the local community in Edinburgh should be applauded. In the most tragic of circumstances they volunteered to make their very best efforts to help this young child."

Read: Police focus on area of woodland close to property

Police and forensic teams are searching a house in Kirkcaldy, Fife and nearby woodland as the investigation into the disappearance of Mikaeel Kular continues.

Officers recovered a child's body in Fife last night and strongly believe it is that of the three-year-old.

It is understood that police have detained Mikaeel's mother Rosdeep Kular as part of the investigation.

A single white teddy has been left outside a home in Kirkcaldy, Fife which is believed to belong to the sister of Mikaeel's mother.

Officers have cordoned off the property and are searching nearby woodland.

Police strongly believe a child's body found in Fife last night is that of Mikaeel Kunar who was last seen on Wednesday.

Read: Police focus on area of woodland close to property

Read: Timeline leading up to discovery of boy's body