A BODY found in woodland has been identified as that of missing teenager Jessica Blake, police have confirmed.

Officers in Beverley said they are not treating the 14-year-old’s death as suspicious.

A major search involving police and RAF helicopters and police divers was launched after the teenager was reported missing on Saturday.

Jessica was last seen in Lincoln Way, Beverley, at noon on Saturday.

Her body was discovered in a wooded area off Chester Avenue in the town just after 4pm on Sunday, Humberside Police said.

Jessica, who was said by police to have left home in a distressed state, had a paper round and was last seen carrying a yellow newspaper bag.

Police found an abandoned bike but have not confirmed it belonged to her.

The death of the Beverley High School pupil has shocked the East Yorkshire town.

East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby said: “It’s a tragedy whatever the circumstances but for someone so young, it’s almost incomprehensible.

“I can’t imagine what her family are going through. They have had a lot of support and will need a tremendous amount of support in the weeks and months to come.

“I hope a small amount of comfort comes from the fact that she was held in such high regard by her peers and neighbours”.

A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: “Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Jessica.”

On the facebook page ‘Find Jessica Blake’, which is followed by more than 4,000 people, numerous tributes had been left yesterday.

One person wrote: “I sat inside the Minster... I saw people I knew, and people I didn’t know come and light a candle for Jess. Her unfortunate and untimely departure from our lives has left unhealable scars on our hearts.”

Another wrote: “Rest in peace Jessica, thoughts with her family at this very sad time.”