THE family of a teenager whose body was found has shared a heartfelt tribute to their "beautiful sister".

A missing persons investigation was launched after Layla Blake, 17, was reported missing from Southminster to police in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A body was found by Essex Police on Monday and, although identification is yet to take place, the search for Layla was suspended.

A spokesman for the force said Layla's family is being supported by specialist officers.

In a statement released by Layla's family on social media, the family thanked everyone who had helped their search for the 17-year-old.

They wrote: "Our beautiful Layla was found in the early hours of Monday morning and is no longer with us.

"We as a family, all of her friends and everyone that knew our Layla will be devastated.

"Please respect and give all family and friends time to process this and please support one another."

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