Body of murdered teen discovered by her family

THE body of a murdered teenager was discovered

The body of 14-year-old Jodi Jones was discovered in a wooded area behind a school in Dalkeith, Midlothian, on Monday 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 5.30pm 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 11pm and midnight.

Mr Dobbie said the girl's body was found on a path, known as the Roman Dyke, linking the rear of Newbattle High School to Newbattle Road.

He said a positive identification had yet to be made, and a post mortem examination would be carried out.

Jodi had left her home at around 5pm on Monday, heading for her boyfriend's home around a mile- and-a-half away, Mr Dobbie said.

"She never arrived there, and at 10pm her family became aware of this and later reported her missing."

He said members of the family came across the body shortly before midnight.

Mr Dobbie refused to give details of the girl's injuries but said there was a "high level of violence where she had been found, and it was assumed she had been attacked at the scene".

He added: "What I can say is that this was one of the most violent crimes I have experienced in my 28 years as a police officer."

Mr Dobbie said there was a "distinct chance" that the attacker may have bloodstained clothing.

"That's another thing that people should be aware of if anyone is aware of anyone with bloodstained clothing, or anything going into dry cleaning with bloodstains.

"That would be important information for us as well and may help the inquiry."

The detective, along with Lothian and Borders police, also appealed to any locals who may have been using the walkway on Monday evening.

He said two family liaison officers had been appointed to help Jodi's extended family cope with the ordeal.

"They are coping as best they can in horrendous circumstances, as you can well imagine," Mr Dobbie told reporters.

He said a liaison officer was also with the family of Jodi's boyfriend.