Police believe that the body found in a field in Ibstock is that of the missing teenager Kayleigh Haywood.
Formal identification is yet to take place.
A post mortem will be carried out to determine the cause of death, and a detailed forensic examination of the area where the body was found at around 22:00 GMT last night will continue this morning. That area will remain cordoned off.
Kayleigh’s family are aware of these developments and continue to be supported by specially-trained police Family Liaison Officers.
15 year old Kayleigh Haywood from Measham, has not been seen since about 18:00 GMT on Friday 13 November, when she was dropped off outside Ibstock Community College.
She called her family on the phone the following morning, but no trace of her has been seen since.
Since she was reported missing, police have found Kayleigh’s mobile phone and items of clothing in different areas.
Detective Chief Superintendent David Sandall, Head of Crime for Leicestershire Police, said: “From the evidence available to us, we believe that the body found is Kayleigh.
“Understanding the events leading up to her death, and precisely how she died, is clearly our focus, as is providing whatever support we can to Kayleigh’s parents, brothers and sister at this desperately bleak time for them.
“Last night many members of the community came together for a vigil and I know that this demonstration of support and care for Kayleigh’s family will continue to be shown in the days, weeks and months to come.
“It remains vital that anyone who has any information at all about where Kayleigh has been since she was last seen outside the Ibstock Community College in Central Avenue, Ibstock, on Friday night and who has, for whatever reason not yet come forward, does so without delay. We need to understand where she went and what has happened to her.”
Two men, aged 27 and 28, who were arrested in the early hours of Monday morning on suspicion of kidnap and who were yesterday re-arrested on suspicion of murder, remain in police custody this morning. An application was granted by magistrates this morning to hold them for a further and final 24 hours.
