A Scots schoolgirl who vanished overnight in the Scottish Borders may have last been seen just a ‘20 minute walk from home’ before disappearing almost 24 hours ago. Investigators say an unconfirmed sighting of Kaitlyn Easson has been reported on Melrose Road in Galashiels shortly before 6pm on Sunday, February 5.
The 11-year-old had been out with friends before leaving the group and making her way towards the interchange in the town centre at around 5.45pm. A major search operation - including specialist crews on the River Tweed - remains ongoing in the town for the youngster as her ‘distressed’ family anxiously await news of her whereabouts.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon, Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton said they were “keeping an open mind” and that there is no suggestion that the girl has come to harm. She said: “At this moment in time, I have no information to suggest that Kaitlyn has come to harm and therefore, we are doing everything that we can to make sure that we trace her safe and well.
