A BODY has been found in the search for missing Cairneyhill teen Hazel North.

Police Scotland have confirmed that human remains have been discovered in Dean Park in Kilmarnock.

The park had been cordoned off and officers carried out a detailed search and excavation of the area earlier today.

Hazel (19) was last seen by her family on 4th March, when she told her sister that she was going to Kilmarnock to meet a friend.

The police statement said, "Police Scotland can confirm that as part of the ongoing missing person inquiry into Hazel North, officers commenced a detailed search and excavation of an area within Dean Park, Kilmarnock this morning, Monday 24 March 2014.

"We can confirm that following the search and excavation, human remains have been discovered at the location.

"A full major investigation crime scene is now in place and a detailed and structured examination of the site will be carried out by specially trained forensics officers.

"This may be a lengthy process due to the complexities of the site and will be done in a sensitive manner to ensure the integrity of the scene." The human remains will be removed to Glasgow Southern General Hospital where a post-mortem will be carried out.

On Friday, police had carried out a search of a house at Northcraig Road, just two streets away from the park.

There was also a police appeal over a possible sighting of Hazel on 18th March in Coronation Drive in Stranraer.