COUNCIL bosses have said they are supporting police in the search for Amber Gibson's killer as a senior cops said her family is "devastated" by her loss.

The 16-year-old was in the care of South Lanarkshire Council when she went missing on Friday evening from the Hillhouse area of Hamilton.

Amber, who was looked after in a residential unit, was last seen at around 9.15pm on Cadzow Street and her body found in Cadzow Glen park at around 10.10am on Sunday.

Police launched a murder enquiry on Tuesday following a post-mortem examination.

A council spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Amber’s family at this dreadful time, and with all friends and others affected by this tragedy.

"At this time it is important to let the police proceed with their investigation, and we will do everything needed to support that.”

READ MORE: Body identified as that of Amber Gibson

After the police investigation is concluded a Significant Case Review will be carried out, as is statutory following the death of a child.

Detective Superintendent Raymond Brown said Amber's family are searching for answers while officers are determined to find the person responsible.

He 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."

READ MORE: Tributes paid to Amber Gibson

Police Scotland said there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days and anyone with concerns can speak with 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.

The Detective Superintendent added: “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.”

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