The body of a murdered teenager was discovered by members of her own family shortly after she went missing, police said today.
The body of 14-year-old Jodi Jones was discovered in a wooded area behind a school in Dalkeith, Midlothian, last night.
Detective Superintendent Craig Dobbie. who is leading the investigation, told a media briefing that the "violent" death was discovered by family members who had alerted police to her disappearance.
"It's one of the most violent crimes I have experienced in my 28 years as a police officer," Mr Dobbie told reporters.
He said Jodi had left home at around 5.30 p.m. and had been due back at 10pm. When she failed to return, it is understood her mother phoned round friends before contacting the police.
"She is one of a fairly extended family and when they were looking for her, they found this body of a young teenage girl," he added.
The body was found in a wooded area near a path behind Newbattle High School between 11 p.m. and midnight.
PA