Butcher charged with sexual assault and abduction of 11-year-old girl after major police search of house

A MAN has appeared in court charged with the sexual assault and abduction of a child.

Andrew Miller, 53, was at Selkirk Sheriff Court today.

The butcher, who is also known as Amy George, was arrested following a 27-hour search for a missing girl.

The 11-year-old schoolgirl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, disappeared in the Scottish Borders at the start of the month.

She was discovered at an address two days later on Monday, February 6.

Cops carried out an extensive search and were seen combing the family butchers’ shop Millers of Melrose - which is linked to Miller.

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.

"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."