Body found in hunt for missing Perth teen Kathleen Harkin

Kathleen Harkin, 15, was last seen on the banks of the River Tay near Woody Island in the North Muirton area at around 9.30pm on Saturday.

A major land and air search involving police divers and a helicopter was launched, and police said the body of a female was pulled from the river yesterday afternoon.

The force said in a statement: “Police Scotland can confirm that a body has been recovered from the River Tay near St Madoes, Glencarse, Perthshire, this afternoon. Inquiries to establish the identity of the female are ongoing.

“The family of missing 15-year-old Kathleen Harkin have been informed.”

The teenager’s mobile phone was earlier handed in to police by a member of the public who found it in the area where the Perth Grammar School pupil was last seen.

Fellow pupils at the school are being offered support by education and children’s services.

Earlier, in a message attached to the police appeal, her sister Karen Gallacher wrote: ‘My little sister is missing. Please if anyone has any information get in touch.

‘If anyone has any information about Kathleen’s whereabouts or any small detail just please contact Police Scotland on 101 any small piece of information could make all the difference.’

Police Scotland Chief Inspector Maggie Pettigrew had previously called on people living in the North Muirton area to check their property and outbuildings to assist in the search.

She said: ‘Kathleen has been missing since Saturday evening and we are extremely concerned for her welfare.

“Since she was reported missing we have been carrying out searches in the North Muirton area of Perth, in particular Woody Island and along the riverbanks where she was last seen.

“Kathleen’s mobile telephone was handed in to police by a member of the public who found it in this area.

“As the terrain is difficult and dangerous, specialist teams who have the necessary training and equipment for this environment have been brought in to assist in a co-ordinated search.

“I would ask that residents and owners of premises in North Muirton assist by checking their property and outbuildings.

“I would like to thank everyone who has assisted with our inquiry so far and would urge that anyone who has information that could assist us in tracing Kathleen should contact us on 101.”

She was described as approximately 5ft and of medium build with long dark hair.