Three people have been charged in connection with the disappearance of a five-year-old girl after the discovery of a child's body in a canal in Inverness.

Danielle Reid's mother and two men are expected to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old woman and the two men, aged 22 and 25, face charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Danielle Reid was reported missing a week ago

Danielle had been reported missing a week ago - although it is thought that she had not been seen for several months.

A diving team from Grampian Police was called in to help Northern Constabulary in its search for the youngster.

The body of a small child was found on Tuesday in the Caledonian Canal, which runs from Inverness to the west coast of Scotland.

The identity and cause of death will not be fully established until a post mortem examination is carried out.

Extended family

Danielle lived with her mother in Argyle Street, Inverness, where a police incident room has been set up.

Northern Constabulary had been made aware on New Year's Eve of her disappearance when it was contacted by a member of her extended family.

It is not known when Danielle was last seen, but it is thought to have been several months ago.

Information suggesting she was in the Greater Manchester area came to nothing and the inquiry moved back to Inverness.