Jodi Jones was the victim of a vicious attack

The body of the 14-year-old was found by a wall on a woodland path behind Newbattle Community High School in Dalkeith, Midlothian, about 2230 BST on Monday.

Detective Superintendent Craig Dobbie, leading the inquiry, told a news conference on Tuesday that Jodi had suffered a "high level of violence".

The body found has been formally identified as that of Jodi and a post-mortem examination has been carried out.

The teenager was taking a shortcut along a woodland path to her boyfriend's house when she was killed.

Mr Dobbie said: "She is one of a fairly extended family and when they were looking for her, they found this body of a young teenage girl."

A murder squad team of about 20 officers is conducting a wide-ranging investigation and is looking into the possibility that the murder may have been sexually motivated.

The girl's body was found at the back of Newbattle Community School

Jodi's headteacher at St David's Roman Catholic High School in Dalkeith, Marian Docherty, paid tribute to the teenager whom she said was popular with other pupils and staff.

Mrs Docherty said Jodi had been doing well in all eight of her standard grade subjects and also had an interest in music.

"The whole school community of St David's is shocked. Jodi was a lovely girl who was popular with her classmates and with staff, and we're all trying to come to terms with this sad news."

The path where Jodi was found is known locally as Roman Dyke and is a popular public walkway which the youngster used often.

Search party

The teenager had left home at about 1730 BST and had been due back at 2200 BST.

When she failed to return, it is understood her mother phoned round friends before contacting the police.

Mr Dobbie said Jodie's body had been found by family members who had organised a search party.

Her boyfriend, who is believed to be about 14 years old, was among the group who made the grim discovery.

It is one of the most violent crimes I have experienced in my 28 years as a police officer DS Craig Dobbie Watch DS Craig Dobbie's statement

Mr Dobbie described the murder as "particularly violent".

"It is one of the most violent crimes I have experienced in my 28 years as a police officer," he said.

He added: "There is evidence of a high level of violence at the scene where the body was found.

"It is assumed at this stage she had been attacked at the scene"

Mr Dobbie advised parents living locally to be "vigilant" with their children.

He said: "It would be wrong for me to say that this is a one-off situation because I don't know.

"I don't want to be alarmist, but I would not like to see this repeated."

Police appeal

Police patrols in the area have been stepped up in the wake of the killing.

Jodi lived in a two-storey terraced house with her mother, a postal officer, and brother Joseph, 20, in the Easthouses area.

Family liaison officers have been appointed to help Jodi's family, her boyfriend and his family and also to offer advice to the two high schools in the area.