DETECTIVES have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a body near a superstore close to the M20 motorway.

On Wednesday last week police officers found the decomposed body behind Sainsbury's in Ashford's Warren Retail Park while investigating the disappearance of 19-year-old Ashley Dighton, who was last seen shopping in the store on June 11.

Senior detectives have now revealed that they had begun a murder investigation.

Acting Det Ch Insp Dave Withers said that the body has still not been formally identified.

He stressed: "Anyone who knows anything about the disappearance of Ashley Dighton or anything about the body found in the woods, or anyone who regularly uses the footpath or who saw anything suspicious, is asked to contact us."

Mr Withers said it could take "a number of weeks" before the body is identified, but mourners are already leaving flowers at the scene in tribute to Ashley.

Some 80 officers are working on the investigation. A detailed forensic search of the area is being carried out and officers are tracing Ashley's last known steps.

At a media conference near to the spot where the body was found, Mr Withers added: "We have searched his route from here back to Kennington.

"It was usual for him to use that footpath through the woods. There is no information as to why he may have come to some harm."

Police are keeping in close contact with Ashley's family and have appointed a family liaison officer.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Kent Police incident room on 01622 654860 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.