NEIGHBOURS of a Galashiels woman arrested for having sex with a 14-year-old boy in America have described their shock this week.

Sarah McGill was arrested last week in Florida after her hotel room in Orlando was raided by police.

The 28-year-old, who grew up in Selkirk, is alleged to have travelled to the US to work as an escort.

According to Orange County Jail papers McGill had been promoting her services online using the name Sophia Belle.

It is alleged the former Borders College student gave the 14-year-old boy her mobile number after he contacted her through a website.

Following a text conversation it is alleged he paid McGill $480 to have sex in her fourth-floor hotel room.

McGill is charged with lewd and lascivious battery.

On her first appearance at court last week she was released on a $1,000 bond.

This week neighbours at her Church Square flat in Galashiels spoke of their surprise.

One neighbour said: "The last time I saw her must have been three or four weeks ago.

"She never speaks and keeps herself to herself.

"It is all very strange."

Another neighbour in the block where McGill has a top-floor flat added: "She goes away for long periods, perhaps a month at a time.

"The only time I see her is when she is putting suitcases in her car.

"I get the impression she just uses the house for her post and never seems to actually live there."

After the alleged victim went to police with his father, investigators discovered McGill with another client in her hotel room.

During a search of the room, according to the court affidavit, they found found condoms and cash in a safe.

During her brief court appearance in front of Judge Marc Lubet, McGill had to surrender her passport and was ordered not to have any contact with the 14-year-old alleged victim and not to continue advertising her services online.

She is expected to make another court appearance later this month.

It is understood the former art student moved to Galashiels six years ago from her family home in Selkirk.