An investigation has been launched into the response by police to the disappearance of a former Folkestone teenager who was later found dead.

Jayden Parkinson, who grew up in Cheriton, was reported missing in Didcot on December 4 and her body was found in a disturbed grave in a church in the Oxfordshire town on December 18. Her boyfriend has been charged with her murder.

Now the Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the response to the search for the 17-year-old.

It is probing Thames Valley Police's actions after the force voluntarily referred the matter.

IPCC associate commissioner Guido Liguori said: "This is a desperately sad case where a teenage girl has lost her life.

"Our investigators have met with Jayden's family to explain our role and investigation. I know my condolences will be of little comfort to them as they continue to grieve over their loss.

"This is a desperately sad case where a teenage girl has lost her life..." - Guido Liguori, IPCC

"Our investigation is examining the response of Thames Valley Police to the missing person's report, and whether the individual and collective decisions made by police officers or staff and the related actions were appropriate and proportionate in the circumstances.

"I am mindful that a murder investigation is continuing and therefore we must be cautious about the information we make public so as not to interfere with the ongoing criminal proceedings."

Detectives also announced today they believe Jayden was strangled to death.

They confirmed the cause of death was "consistent with pressure to the neck" following toxicology tests.

An initial post mortem on December 19 proved inconclusive and so the toxicology tests were requested.

Three people have been arrested in connection with her death.

A 48-year-old, from Didcot, arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice on Tuesday was released on police bail last Wednesday until Friday, March 14.

Jayden's former boyfriend - 22-year-old Ben Blakeley, from Reading - has been charged with her murder and perverting the course of justice while a 17-year-old boy from Didcot has also been charged with perverting the course of justice.

About 150 people were at St Martin's Church in Cheriton for Jaydens funeral service. Jayden and her family lived in Tennyson Place before moving away several years ago.