Missing Mikaeel's mother, 33, charged in connection with the boy's death after police recover a body from woodland behind house belonging to aunt who says: 'We're devastated we've lost him'

 

• Rosdeep Kular, 33, has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Mikaeel Kular
• Mother-of-five expected to appear in court in Edinburgh on Monday morning
• Body removed from woodlands behind a property in Kirkcaldy, Fife, formally identified as the three-year-old's
• House, belonging to boy's aunt, and nearby woodland area have been sealed off by police continuing their search
• His aunt Pandeep, Rosdeep's sister, said she was 'devastated' by her nephew's death and said 'we've just lost him'
• The three-year-old had not been seen at nursery, more than 40 miles away from the scene, since Christmas
• An estimated 600 people attended a memorial service for the toddler in Edinburgh last night

By Wills Robinson and Jennifer Smith and Lizzie Edmonds and Patricia Kane and Fiona Mcwhirter

The aunt of three-year-old Mikaeel Kular has spoken of his family's 'devastation' over the tragedy, her sister, the boy's mother, was arrested and charged in connection with the toddler's death.
Mother-of-five Rosdeep Kular, 33, known as Rosie, is understood to have been detained by Police Scotland after the child's body was discovered in woodland behind her sister Pandeep's house in Kirkcaldy, Fife, yesterday morning.
Before Ms Kular was charged, Pandeep, 37, spoke of the family's anguish over little Mikaeel's death, and said she was with her sister's other children.

 

Loss: Mikaeel Kular's aunt Pandeep, 37 (centre), said her family was 'devastated' by the three-year-old's death. Mikaeel's body was discovered in woodland behind her home in Kirkcaldy, Fife. His mother Rosdeep Kular (right) is thought to be the woman arrested and charged in connection with his death

'We're devastated,' she told the The Sunday People, adding: 'We've just lost him.'
Pandeep, known as Pani, is to be understood to be supporting her mother Harjinder, 60, as well as caring for Mikaeel's two brothers and two sisters, including his twin.
She said she had not spoken to Rosdeep - who is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday morning.
Because of Scottish Law, the exact nature of the charge will not be known until she makes her first appearance in front of the procurator fiscal. 
Police have not confirmed that Rosdeep is the woman charged, although it has been widely reported that she was the person question over Mikaeel's death.

Police probe: Forensic officers are seen combing the woods behind Mikaeel Kular's aunt Pandeep's house, behind which his body was found

Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said in a statement last night: ‘During the course of today, the investigation into the disappearance of Mikaeel Kular has continued at pace.
'Following formal identification I can confirm that a 33-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with the child's death. The woman is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.
‘I'd like to once again recognise and thank everyone for their support and assistance that we've seen, including that of family and friends of Mikaeel with whom our sympathies remain.'
He continued: ‘We have received over 500 calls from members of the public looking to assist in establishing the circumstances of Mikaeel's disappearance. We've received support from various search agencies who have provided resources and people.
Police were last night continuing their forensic investigation in the woodland behind the house where the body where the three-year-old's body was found. His body has now been formally identified.

Find: Forensic experts in white overalls search the woods behind the back garden of the property (circled)

The boy’s mother Rosdeep used to live in the property, but moved out 18 months ago and relocated with her five children to an apartment in Edinburgh.
Throughout the day, officers in forensic suits had combed through undergrowth,and police – who announced at 11pm that Rosdeep had been charged – continued their search through the night.
Officers stood guard at the home and on a lane running through the adjacent woodlands of the Raith Estate, a tranquil suburb of well-maintained gardens with conservatories, patios, trampolines and children’s playthings.
Forensics officers walked in the garden and the wooded area where they appeared to investigate an unidentified blue van, which was parked on the cordoned-off track and flanked by police vehicles.
The young boy’s body was taken away in a private ambulance at 3.45pm, yesterday. The house, owned by Pandeep, is around 25 miles from the flat in Edinburgh where Rosdeep and her children have lived since last summer.

Missing: The body of Mikaeel Kular was removed from woodlands behind a bungalow in Kirkcaldy, Fife, following a major search for the little boy

Olga Park, a retired nurse who lives opposite the property which was searched by police said: 'I'm just absolutely shocked about what's happened.The fact he's just a three-year-old boy is just terrible. The poor wee thing.'
Police confirmed teachers had not seen Mikaeel at Flora Stevenson primary school nursery in Edinburgh for almost a month because of an apparent chest infection.
Last night, an estimated 600 people poured into a church near the child's home in Edinburgh to pay their respects at a memorial service.
Members of the community, many of whom were involved in the extensive, two-day search for the child, queued around Muirhouse St Andrews Church which has a capacity of just 300.
Yet, as well as the community’s grief at the death of an innocent child, there was also anger from some who feared that their kindness had been abused.
Shona Smith, 41, from West Lothian who helped co-ordinate the search volunteers said: ‘The news he is dead is just so sad.

Support: A police officer lays flowers outside the bungalow in Kirkcaldy

Sadness: There has been an outpouring of grief among members of the community in Kirkcaldy, with many leaving floral tributes at the scene

Tribute: A woman lays flowers at the scene today

Investigation: The house remained sealed off by police today

‘I think everyone was sceptical of the circumstances but they wanted to do everything they could to find him, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.’
Scores of flowers and cuddly toys were left at both the Kirkcaldy scene and outside the Kular family flat in the Scottish capital.
At the end of the service, all those who had attended exited carried candles they had been holding during the service. Locals hugged as a lantern could be seen floating in the skies above the chapel.
Among those attending the service was Edinburgh Western MSP Colin Keir, Police Alerts UK reported.
Speaking ahead of the event, he said recent events had 'shattered the whole area,' but also generated a sense of community spirit.
'The emotional attachment that the communities round here have had to this investigation has really brought them all together,' he said.
'I'm really proud of them. I'm in a privileged position being able to sit in the Scottish Parliament representing these people.'

Moved: A group of children were seen arriving at the bungalow armed with their soft toys and teddies to leave in honour of Mikaeel

Duty: An policeman arranges flowers and teddy bears left by shocked members of the public while a woman police officer stands guard outside the home

'The community's not had its problems to seek over the past 50-60 years but you can see what happens when one of their own is affected, particularly a three-year-old kid. They've acted sensationally.'
He also said: 'Police Scotland here have done a phenomenal job. There's nothing can be more difficult than trying to find a missing child.'
Also attending the service was Akeel Umar. He said: 'I think everyone in the community is very sad. Today is an opportunity for everyone to come together on an issue that touches everyone. It's just a very concerning time for everyone.
'Everyone is touched and shocked by what's happened. Thousands of people came out searching yesterday and the day before. Today's really just as a mark of respect.'
Mr Umar was accompanied by Nasim Azad, who added: 'When you take everything away there's nothing between us. We are a community, we care. The fact that we're here today is because we care. It's as simple as that.'

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Edinburgh last night to pay tribute to the three-year-old after his body was recovered by police

 

Gathering: Muirhouse St Andrew's Church was filled with members of the community tonight who gathered to pay their respects after the search for Mikaeel Kular was called off by police

Guard: Two police officers stand outside the church doors as hundreds of locals arrive to pay tribute to the boy

RIP: A boy holds up a placard saying 'Mikaeel Kular, you'll be missed in the community's heart, sleeptight'

Vigil: Four-year-old Katie McGarry, holds a candle near the property the three-year-old boy shared with his four siblings and his mother

 

Thousands of people have posted tributes to pages set up on social media in memory of the toddler who had not attended nursery since Christmas.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond joined in the tributes and said: '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.
'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.'
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: 'I would like to echo the First Minister's words and praise the excellent work done by Police Scotland who have worked tirelessly to find Mikaeel during this difficult and harrowing time.
'And I would also like to commend the residents of Edinburgh for the outstanding way in which they have supported the work of Police Scotland over recent days. I know that the police have greatly valued the assistance that has been provided by many members of the public who have helped with the search.

 

Members of the public lay tributes near the home of the three- year-old following news a body was discovered by police

A teddy left in outside the Kular family home with a tribute that reads 'Rest in Peace little one. Be free and dance with the angels'

Mikaeel reportedly lived at the property being searched by police for the first year of his life before moving with his family to the Scottish capital.
Neighbours described how they would see him playing on the doorstep outside the home, while others saw him walking dogs with his mother.
Lisa Maxwell, 42, from nearby Skibo Place, laid flowers close to the bungalow at the centre of the police investigation.
The mother of two said: 'I woke up today and my partner Stuart had a text saying the little boy had been found so I expected good news.But when I turned on the TV I realised it was not.
'When he was missing, and having young children myself, straight away I put myself in those shoes trying to imagine what it's like. I wanted to help, even though I'm not in the Edinburgh area.'
Ms Maxwell's children, aged 11 and four, joined their mother near the cordoned-off road where she offered hot refreshments to police and others at the scene. 
A steady stream of people, including many local residents with children, have been arriving throughout the day to pay their respects.
The tributes are being left at a small park in the Drylaw area, round the corner from the three-year-old's home. People have also been lighting candles at the scene.

A tribute that reads 'sleep tight Mikaeel' written on an Etch a Sketch is placed next to a burning candle

 

A mother and son comfort one another while laying tributes while two girls leave flowers. The remains of a young boy were removed from woodlands this afternoon

Neighbours and those who knew the boy took time today to pay tribute - with many leaving bunches of flowers and candles

One tribute message said: 'God bless you. Rest in peace, sweet little angel.' Another read: 'RIP Mikaeel Kular. May the angels hold you tight.'
At the scene, grandmother Leann Bruce said: 'I live in the neighbourhood. It's been quite upsetting really, to be honest, and I just wanted to come and pay my respects.'
She said she did not know Mikaeel but had seen him many times when she was out walking her dogs.

TWO ARRESTED OVER 'RACIST' ONLINE COMMENTS ABOUT MIKAEEL

Police arrested two men today after they allegedly made vile online comments about tragic Mikaeel Kular.
The men were arrested for making comments of a 'racist nature' on Twitter about the disappearance of the three-year-old.
Mikaeel was tragically found dead on Friday night after being last seen on Thursday night.
The men, who are aged 19 and 26, were arrested questioned and released on bail.
The comments were brought to the attention of Police Scotland by members of the public in Edinburgh.
Officers from Police Scotland liaised with colleagues from Hampshire Constabulary and Derbyshire Constabulary to identify the suspects.
Chief Supt Mark Williams, Police Scotland Edinburgh Divisional Commander, said: 'Any reports of racist, offensive or abusive comments made online will be thoroughly investigated and those responsible will be brought to justice.
'If you commit an offence, we will investigate it and you will be prosecuted.'

'He was always smiling and waving, but I didn't know him personally,' she said.
On the community response, she said: 'They've come together really well, it's been nice to see. I feel like everyone's upset by this and was hoping for a good outcome, but sadly it's not been, so it's quite distressing.
'I came down because you've got to give a thought to the other children that are affected by this. They must be feeling so sad and devastated. I just feel so upset by it.'
Denise Ormsby, 52, said: 'I just think it's just so sad. I just wanted to pay my respects. It's wonderful the way everybody (in the community's) come out.'
Trevor Wright, 63, said: 'I just wanted to pay my respects to the young lad. It's very sad.'
Robert Pearson, chairman of the Tenants and Residents in Muirhouse (TRIM) association, thanked search volunteers and local businesses who provided torches and food during the hunt.
He said: 'Sometime it takes something like this to bring people together. I have seen older people, young people, families and teenagers all giving up their time to search the entire area over the past two days.
'On reflection, I and everyone at TRIM are so proud of the community we all live in. Obviously as time went on we were all aware that the chances of a positive were diminishing but that never stopped us. People continued to turn at all times of the day and night to help, and everyone who got involved should be so proud of themselves.
A community Facebook page has been set up to organise a sponsored walk in memory of the child. All funds raised will be donated to the child's nursery for a memorial bench to be installed in his name.
The walk is due to to take place next Saturday afternoon on Granton's beach, where hundreds of people searched for the toddler before police announced the discovery of a body yesterday morning.
Tens of thousands of people have joined online memorial pages paying tribute to the toddler whose death has shaken the international community.
Scottish novelist Irvine Welsh is among celebrities and politicians to lead tributes on Twitter, posting: 'So sad to hear about wee Mikaeel but couldn't be more proud of where I come from & the amazing people there who tried everything to help out.'
Michael Woods, 53, who lives nearby at Floors Place, said the area behind the heavily wooded area to the rear of the bungalow is popular with dog walkers and families.
He had been following the developing police investigation but was surprised to find officers at the end of his street.
'First it was in Edinburgh, then they said Fife, then Kirkcaldy and now it's here almost on my doorstep. It's unsettling,' he said.

A tribute that reads 'RIP Mikaell Kular. May the Angels Hold You Tight' attached to a cuddly orange toy. Today, Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: 'This is a tragic development in a harrowing case'

Mr Woods, who was out doing his recycling at a nearby communal bin area, said: 'When I heard it was here I just about jumped off my chair.'
Colin Keir, a Member of the Scottish Parliament, said the community was now united in grief.
'It has been a huge bringing together of the community. In my time as a politician I have never experienced such a thing. This is completely unprecedented and unfortunately it has ended in such a tragedy,' he told Sky News.
'A three year-old child should not go missing, they should be safe in their home. There was a number of us yesterday, along with several hundred of us who walked along the promenade checking and you could feel the concern. You had mothers and their babies in prams as part of this line as well as people up on the hill, the fire service, the police.

A woman and two children pause emotionally at the site of the tributes. In the foreground, a balloon tribute reading 'Little Prince'

Another tribute left next to a small dog that reads 'You were taken too soon'

'It has been a huge bringing together of the community. In my time as a politician I have never experienced such a thing. This is completely unprecedented and unfortunately it has ended in such a tragedy.'
On Saturday police revealed they were investigating an offensive comment made online relating to the disappearance of the young boy.
The remark was made via social networking site Twitter by someone in the Greater Manchester area before a formal identification of his body was made.
It was brought to Police Scotland's attention by a resident in Edinburgh.
A police spokesman said: 'Any reports of racist, offensive or abusive comments made online will be thoroughly investigated and those responsible will be brought to justice.

Scottish novelist Irvine Welsh led tributes on the micro-blogging site Twitter. The author commended the people of Edinburgh for their efforts in finding the boy

Mother: Rosdeep Kular, 33, pictured with her other children while pregnant with Mikaeel and his twin

Scores of officers at the scene of the second police cordon close to the bungalow

'If you commit an offence, we will investigate it and you will be prosecuted.'
The discovery of the child's body was revealed in a dramatic 1am press conference that brought to an end 48 hours of increasingly frantic searches for Mikaeel, who was reported missing by his mother on Thursday morning.
A large scale search for the little boy had seen police officers searching parks, shrubbery and gardens as coastguards combed Edinburgh’s north shore in lifeboats.
Forensic teams searched Miss Kular’s home, and officers checked bins and bushes surrounding the modern apartment block before her arrest.
It emerged that Mikaeel was last seen at his nursery on the last day of term, December 19, though children returned on January 7.

Forensic officers arrive in a police van at the woodlands scene in Fife on Saturday afternoon

Two forensic officers in suits walk through a cordoned- off area of the woods near to Mikaeel's relative's home

Mikaeel usually attended every weekday between 12.30pm and 3pm with his twin, who has not been named.
Speaking outside police headquarters in the city, Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said late on Friday night: ‘I can confirm that we have recovered the body of a young boy in Fife before midnight. We have informed the family and the investigation continues.
‘We have detained a person in connection with the death.’
He thanked members of the public for assisting with the searches.

Chipping in: Volunteers join officials to search the land on the shore a short distance from Mikaeel's home

People also brought their dogs along for the search, as possible sightings were reported in the area

Party lifestyle of Mikaeel's mother who called herself the 'dancing queen'

Raising a glass: Rosdeep Kular enjoys a drink at a social occasion

 

Self-confessed social butterfly Rosdeep ‘Rosie’ Kular has enjoyed the company of a mixed band of friends since her marriage broke down in 2009.
She recently launched a mobile beauty business and has attempted to juggle a career with looking after five children, all under the age of 10.
But the 33-year-old also has a love of partying, which has taken her into a world far removed from her respectable upbringing as the daughter of a local doctor.
Photographs on her Facebook page show the woman nicknamed the ‘dancing queen’ posing with a number of friends, including Mohammed Abdi, 25, who died in a shooting in Edinburgh last year.
The day after his murder, Ms Kular posted a picture of herself with Mr Abdi, who was often seen at her flat in the Drylaw area of Edinburgh. According to neighbours, he sometimes took her children to school.
Taken in a pub or club, he is seen in the photograph with his arms protectively around her, while she looks happy and relaxed.
Mr Abdi, whose father was an Imam at the Edinburgh Central Mosque, died on May 26 last year. Six men deny his killing and are set to stand trial in April.
It is clear Ms Kular enjoyed playing up to her party-loving image, claiming in one online profile: ‘Just me, myself and I….oh yeah, with a brood of five monsters, six if you count the man indoors!’ She also jokes: ‘Work full time which is a bit crapiola but it’s got to be done eh!’
Yesterday, the parents of her estranged husband, Omotoso Adekoya, who is originally from Nigeria, revealed they had reservations about her party lifestyle.
They claim Mr Adekoya objected and it led to a separation – although they remain married.
In Nigeria, Ms Kular’s mother-in-law, Yetunde, said that Rosie now has an as-yet unnamed partner. Yetunde admitted she had concerns about the marriage, which took place in Glenrothes, Fife, in July 2004.
She said: ‘I witnessed the wedding but at first never agreed with it. Omotoso insisted so I had no choice.’
She added she initially liked Ms Kular as she was a ‘well-groomed lady’. But her opinion changed because ‘she liked going to clubs and getting drunk.
She always wanted to go out to parties. Omotoso never allowed it – and that’s why she left.’
She said Mr Adekoya, the father of the three eldest children, came to the UK to study. It is understood he now runs a taxi firm. Mikaeel and his twin sister, Ashika, were born in Kirkcaldy in May 2010, after the couple’s separation. But they have had no contact with their Pakistani father.
Ms Kular was brought up in a detached house in an upmarket part of Edinburgh.
Her father Gurbux, who was from India, died aged 43 when she was in her teens. Her mother, Harjinder Kular, 60, is a retired doctor who still lives in a large detached home, with a Jaguar and a Volvo parked in front of the property. She has remarried twice, most recently to Dr Bangarpet Krishnaswamy, 69, a GP originally from Bangalore, who also develops properties in Scotland.
He is the director of East Neuk Healthcare, which owns a 40-bed nursing home in Anstruther, Fife.Yesterday friends said they were shocked that Ms Kular was being questioned – and found it hard to believe that she could harm  any of her children.
One man, who asked not to be named, said: ‘When I was DJ-ing in a club she used to show up every week – but I’ve not seen her out in three or four years.
‘On Facebook a lot of people are asking why others are claiming she’s done this or that.’

 

Posing: Mother-of-five 'Rosie' in glamorous mode (left) and having fun in a playground