A man has been detained by police investigating the “suspicious” death of a two-year-old girl in Fife.
The little girl has been named locally as Madison Horne.
It is understood her mum, former Beath High pupil AnneMarie White, was not at home at the time of her daughter’s death.
Distraught AnneMarie paid tribute to her only child on Facebook, saying she was “far too young” to die.
The tragedy happened in Croftangry Road in Kelty on Sunday night, Police Scotland said.
They are treating the death as suspicious and have detained a man in connection with the investigation.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: ”Police in Fife responded to a call at Croftangry Road, Kelty, at 6.30pm on Sunday with a report of concern for a two-year-old girl.
“She was taken to Victoria Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Enquiries are at an early stage but police are treating her death as suspicious.”
Neighbours spoke of their sorrow that a young life had been so cruelly snuffed out.
James Sinclair, who lives only a few doors away, said the area was packed with youngsters off to roll their eggs on a sunny Easter Sunday.
“Then we just saw the ambulance arriving. This is not what you expect to see, when all these kids are out having fun and rolling their eggs.”
Mr Sinclair, who has lived in the area for the last 18 years, said the paramedics were only in the house for minutes, if not seconds.
“Then he came rushing out holding the wee one in his arms. She was just limp.
“My heart goes out to her mum.You cannot even begin to think about what it would be like to lose your child.”
As the former mining community of Kelty woke up to the grim news that a youngster had lost her life, gifts started arriving at the family’s home.
Candles were placed on top of the metal fence outside the flat and teddy bears and other toys were being attached to the mesh fencing.
One bore the poignant message: “Maddison. Heaven has gained another angel. Rest in Peace. Xxxx”
One local mum, who did not even know the family, wanted to pay her own small tribute.
As Louise Buller, who has an 18-month-old daughter Charlie, left a little toy animal, she said: “I am from Kelty and my little girl is nearly the same age so I felt I just wanted to pay my respects.
“Having children of my own, I did not want to let it go by without doing something.”
Miss White is understood to be 21 and a former pupil of Beath High School in Cowdenbeath.
She studied hairdressing at Adam Smith College and worked at local hairdressers shop Guys & Dolls before leaving work to bring up Madison.
Local resident Linda Wilson, who is a customer at the hairdressers, said she had recently seen Madison out with her mother in the town.
“I saw them the other day. She looked fine. She was in her buggy with her mum.
“I was in total shock when I heard about it last night.
“I’ve lived here for 22 years. There’s never any hassle. Everyone gets on with everyone else and looks out for one another.”
Shocked friends of the family also left comforting messages on Facebook.
Amber Donald said: “Gorgeous wee girl. No one could imagine what you must be going through.”
Another friend, Traceyanne Ireland, added: “My heart goes out to you. So sad. Thinking about you at this sad time.”
Police said investigations are continuing in the Kelty area.