Human remains were found in Kirkcaldy, Fife, miles from the boy’s home in Edinburgh.

His mother, Rosdeep Kular, 33, reported him missing on Thursday morning triggering a huge manhunt conducted by hundreds of police and local volunteers.

Today a body was removed from a wooded area behind a property in Dunvegan Avenue, where neighbours said the boy’s mother used to stay. Residents said it is occupied by her sister, Mikaeel’s aunt.

Police said they “strongly believe” the body is that of the youngster and have detained a person, understood to be Ms Kular.