Mrs Docherty said pupils are being offered counselling

The headteacher of St David's Roman Catholic High School, in Dalkeith, said pupils were "shocked and saddened" by the death of 14-year-old Jodi.

Marian Docherty said counselling was being offered to pupils and prayers were being said for a pupil who had showed real promise.

The news of the death was particularly hard for Jodi's classmates who have been preparing to enter year S4.

Pupils were indeed shocked and saddened and they were supported today by guidance staff Marian Docherty headteacher

Mrs Docherty said: "Jodi was a lovely girl, she had just started S4, she was very popular with her classmates and staff and she was doing well in school.

"She was a very valued and cherished member of the school community."

Mrs Docherty said there was great shock at the school, "particularly at this stage in the term when many children are going on holiday or planning holidays".

"Pupils were indeed shocked and saddened and they were supported today by guidance staff, the chaplaincy team and counsellors and that will continue," she said.

Earliest opportunity

"But they've behaved very responsibly and sensibly and we're grateful for that."

The headteacher said staff told pupils about Jodi's death at the earliest possible opportunity.

She said: "We were very careful to make sure that our pupils knew as quickly as possible the tragic events that we had to deal with.

"We had an assembly for our S4 group this afternoon which included prayers as well as the essential information pupils needed to know about Jodi's death.

Jodi was highly thought of by staff and pupils

"We've also informed parents by letter and tomorrow we're arranging special services for her led by our chaplaincy team."

Midlothian Council's director of education, Donald MacKay, said the teenager's violent death was a heavy blow for the people of Dalkeith.

He said: "Midlothian is a very close community and the impact of this young woman's death will be widely felt throughout the area.

"All our thoughts are very much with the girl's family and with the schools who are affected by this tragedy.

'Shocked and appalled'

"We will do everything that we possibly can to support the family and other pupils, particularly her school friends."

Rhona Brankin, Labour MSP for Midlothian, said: "I was shocked and appalled to hear of this tragedy.

"I have asked the police to keep me informed of developments in their investigation, and I would urge anyone with information to come forward."

Ann Stewart-Kmicha, a community councillor, said: "As a community councillor and as a human being, I'm absolutely horrified. It's such a waste of life."

Resident Sheila Marie Gillespie, 34, was shocked by the discovery near her home.