A murder investigation has been launched after police confirmed that a body found in Clydebank yesterday is that of missing teenager Paige Doherty.
Police at the scene where the body was found
The 15-year-old was reported missing after failing to arrive at her part-time job at a hairdressers on Staurday.
Detectives said they are trying to piece together her movements from when she left a friend's home on Saturday morning until her body was found at the side of the busy route connecting Clydebank and Glasgow at around 12.45pm on Monday.
After leaving the home in the Whitecrook area of Clydebank at around 8.15am it is thought she made her way to a bus stop to travel to the hairdressers in Kirkintilloch, around 12 miles away.
The last confirmed sighting of her was at a roll shop on the town's Fleming Avenue at around 8.20am.
Her mother reported her missing after she did not show up at her job at Street Image hairdressers and was not in touch all day.
Police at the scene where the body was found
Her body was found in undergrowth near a golf centre off Great Western Road yesterday at 12:45pm.
Police at the scene where the body was found
Detective Superintendent Duncan Sloan
Detective Superintendent Duncan Sloan from Police Scotland's Major Investigations Team said it was an "extremely harrowing time" for Paige's family and friends as he confirmed that a murder investigation was under way.
Speaking from the scene on Tuesday, Mr Sloan said: "Anybody who knows Paige, please come forward with any information around her lifestyle or any reason why you think somebody would have attacked Paige."
He did not reveal the nature of her injuries but said a post mortem examination will take place.
The detective said he is "open to all motives" for the assault.
Mr Sloan said: "From what we are finding out from friends, family and teachers, Paige was a really warm, kind individual and had a real set course on where she wanted to take her life.
"She had arranged her own part-time placement at the hairdressers that she was meant to attend in Kirkintilloch.
"This was a girl with a future, a life and plan in front of her."
He added: "We will do all in our power to bring some answers as to the circumstances leading to the death of Paige Doherty."
Paige's mum thanked everyone for their support on the social networking site Facebook.
She said: "Myself and Andy Munro would like to thank everyone for their support and help in trying to find our daughter.
"Unfortunately we can confirm tht it is our beautiful girl Paige who was found in Clydebank.
"Again thank you for all ur support I am seeing everyones messages but understandbly we've a lot on our minds and can't reply.
"We are absolutely devastated as will many people who know her will be."
A cousin also took to Facebook following the news.
Louise Blair said: "I would like to said a goodbye to my little cousin Paige Doherty who was found dead yesterday she'll be missed by loads of people rip angle."
Street Image Hairdressing, where Paige was a junior, also took to Facebook.
"It is still unbelievable that I am writing these words, my team and I are absolutely shattered with the loss of our junior Paige a blessing to have in our lives.
"We cannot beging to imagine the pain Pamela and her family are feeling at this time. Thank you for all the kind words and messages we will pass them on"
Studio Central Fitness also took to Facebook following the news.
"Absolutely devastated at the newss of Paige. Kept looking down at her wee spot in class last night praying that it wasn't her who was found. God only knows how Pam and her family must be right now. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them X"
Detective Superintendent Sloan added: "A number of specialised officers are clearly supporting the family in the first instance and to try and piece together Paige's lifestyle.
"We will need to piece together the movements of Paige from 8.20am on Saturday morning when she went missing until we found the body here on Monday afternoon.
The schoolgirl, who was 4ft 8ins and slim, with long dark hair, was wearing a dark jacket, jeans and white Nike trainers when she went missing.
Forensic officers continue to work at the site where her body was found. A large area is cordoned off and a police tent remains in place.
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