Amber Peat: Tributes to missing teenager after police discover a body close to family home
13-year-old Amber went missing on Saturday 30 May
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The head teacher of missing teenager Amber Peat's school has said "everyone is heartbroken" following the news that a body has been discovered by police.
Mike Smith, the principal at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, spoke outside the school as tributes were laid near the area where a body was found, less than a mile from Amber’s home.
"Our school community is deeply shocked and saddened to hear a body has been found in the search for one of our Year 8 students, Amber Peat," Mr Smith said.
"We have been working with the police over the past two days and are waiting to hear from them whether it is Amber who has been found."
Mr Smith added that students who have been particularly affected by the news are being supported by staff and trained counsellors.
13-year-old Amber has not been seen since she left her family home in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire at around 5.30pm on 30 May, after an argument with her family.
Police are guarding the area near a path close to houses on Westfield Lane. The body has not been formally identified and police officials say they are not treating the death as suspicious. Amber’s family have been informed.
One message from school classmates said: "I hope your parents find the strength to find peace."
It added: "Hope the angels make you smile."
Amber left her house without money or her mobile phone.
Her stepfather, Danny Peat, told reporters that her disappearance was out of character and "doesn't feel right" as she is "not the kind of girl that would wander off".
A post-mortem and formal identification will take place later today.
Additional reporting by PA