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Man, 19, held over death of Amber, 16

Witness appeal as community ‘shocked to core’ by death

By Joe Hutchison

‘Focus to find answers for her loved ones’

A TEENAGER has been arrested following the death of 16-year-old Amber Gibson.

The youngster’s body was found near Cadzow Glen in Hamilton on Sunday morning after she went missing.

The incident has left her family devastated and the community ‘shocked to the core’. Last night, police confirmed that a 19-year-old man had been arrested in connection with her death.

Detectives said Amber left her home in the Hillhouse area of the Lanarkshire town around 9.15pm on Friday and was last seen on Cadzow Street at around 9.55pm.

Officers said she was seen wearing a black jacket with a fur hood, light grey jogging bottoms and white trainers on the night of her disappearance.

Amber had been reported missing early on Saturday morning and on Sunday Cadzow Glen, a public park in the town, was taped off by police after her body was discovered in the grounds.

The park was still taped off last night, as well as the street where she was last spotted as police inquiries continued.

Speaking outside Cadzow Glen, Detective Superintendent Raymond Brown said: ‘Amber was a young 16-year-old girl at the start of her life.

‘Obviously, like every young kid at that age she was out doing what a young girl would do.

‘So our focus is to understand Amber’s last movements so that we can provide some answers for her loved ones.’

He added that Amber’s family and loved ones were ‘understandably devastated’ by the ‘untimely loss’.

Mr Brown said: ‘We know she was in Cadzow Street just shortly before 10pm on Friday night, which would have been busy – there would have been pedestrians, motorists and people going about their general business. ‘We would ask anyone in that area if they did see Amber to come forward and tell us what the circumstances in which they’ve seen her are and allow us to take that information and understand how that may assist our investigation.’ Police Scotland Chief Inspector Briony Daye said: ‘I would like to reassure her family that our thoughts are with them and her loved ones, that is the most important thing.’

It is understood the teenager was a pupil at Moore House Academy in Bathgate, West Lothian, which is privately run and cares for children aged 11 to 18 who have faced social and educational challenges. A spokesman for Moore House said: ‘Amber was a well-loved, bright and lively young girl who attended our academy in Bathgate as a day pupil.

‘Our children and staff are devastated at the news of this tragedy, and we are all supporting each other through this very difficult time.

‘Our deepest sympathies extend to Amber’s loved ones and to everyone who knew her.’

Local Labour MSP Monica Lennon said that Amber ‘had her whole life ahead of her’, adding that the teenager’s ‘tragic death’ has ‘shaken our community to its core’. Miss Lennon added: ‘All of us are thinking of her family, friends and all who knew Amber at this incredibly difficult time.

‘I know that people are worried and upset, and I commend the community for pulling together.’

Flowers have been laid at the entrance to the park in the teenager’s memory. One tribute read: ‘To Amber, rest in peace. We will always think of you.’

Plans have also been announced on social media for friends and family to set off balloons in Amber’s honour at a nearby country park.

‘We are thinking of her family’

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