Butcher charged over disappearance of girl, 11, found in house after major police search
A BUTCHER has been charged over the disappearance of an 11-year-old girl.
Andrew Miller, 53, was held after the child was found at a house in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, following a 27-hour search.
Miller also goes by the name Amy George and identifies as a woman on social media.
Cops were seen combing the family butchers’ shop Millers of Melrose, which is linked to the suspect.
He has now been charged and is due to appear at Selkirk Sheriff Court tomorrow.
Police 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, February 5.
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"The girl was traced at a property in the Galashiels area at about 9.30pm on Monday, February 6.
"Inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.”
The youngster was reported missing from the Gala Park area of Galashiels on Sunday.
Officers said they were “extremely concerned” for her welfare.
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On Monday, locals, police and search and rescue teams scoured the town’s streets, green spaces and waterways for the girl.
Villagers revealed the 27-hour search ended with the girl being carried out of a house in a blanket two miles from her home.
Forensic officers have been seen combing the property in Gattonside for evidence.
Last night, one of the schoolgirl’s relieved relatives said: “She’s home, that’s the main thing. It’s up to the police to do their job.”
The Millers of Melrose business was featured in the novel Career of Evil by JK Rowling, under her pen-name Robert Galbraith.
A signed picture of the Harry Potter author and a framed extract from the 2015 crime fiction book remains in the window.
One local said: “Police arrived in Gattonside and closed off the street.
"A man was seen being put into the back of the police vehicle.
“It’s a really affluent area and is extremely quiet so this has all come as a bit of a shock. The person who lives there used to run the butcher shop in Melrose.
“They use a woman’s name now but were previously known as Andrew and are very well known in the community.”
Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton, Lothians and Scottish Borders commander, said police believe the incident is "contained".
She added: "I want to thank the public for their huge effort and assistance during this incident.
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"The people of Galashiels really came together and supported each other, the emergency services and search teams.
"There will be increased high visibility patrols in the streets to provide reassurance and advice to the public, and anyone with concerns can speak to an officer at any time."
