Amber Gibson: Man, 19, arrested over death of 16-year-old girl

Nineteen-year-old detained by police after teenager’s body found in park

Police investigating the death of 16-year-old Amber Gibson, whose body was found in a park in South Lanarkshire, have arrested a 19-year-old man (Lucinda Cameron/PA )

Police investigating the death of a 16-year-old girl whose body was found in a park have arrested a 19-year-old man.

Amber Gibson left her home in the Hillhouse area of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, at about 9.15pm on Friday and was reported missing later that night when she did not return.

Her body was discovered in Cadzow Glen park at about 10.10am on Sunday.

The teenager’s death was initially treated as unexplained but police launched a murder inquiry on Tuesday following a post-mortem examination.

Police are trying to piece together the last movements of the teenager, who was seen in the town’s Cadzow Street at around 9.55pm on Friday.

Detective Superintendent Raymond Brown said: “Her family and loved ones are understandably devastated by this untimely loss, Amber was a 16-year-old girl with her future in front of her.

“It’s imperative for us to understand the circumstances that led to her death, to not only provide her family with some answers but also to remove the person responsible from the community.

“At this time the most important thing for us to understand is Amber’s movements across Friday evening and any information regarding her movements up to the time she was found dead in the park.

“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.”

Amber 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 spokesperson from 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 difficult time.

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

Police Scotland said there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days and anyone with concerns can speak to local officers at any time.

The gates to the park and part of Cadzow Street were cordoned off on Wednesday as officers carried out investigations.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident 1281 of 28 November, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

Additional reporting by Press Association