Two 15-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a girl of the same age.
The body of Rebecca Aylward was found in a wooded area just outside Aberkenfig, Bridgend, South Wales, at about 9am on Sunday.
Rebecca, of Maesteg, was last seen at about 12.30pm on Saturday in Sarn Hill, Sarn, when she was dropped off by relatives to visit a friend. She was reported missing by her mother that evening when she failed to return home.
South Wales Police said two local boys were arrested and were being held in custody.
Her family have been informed and were being supported and updated about the investigation by family liaison officers.
Detectives appealed for anyone who may have seen Rebecca on Saturday to come forward. An incident room has been set up at Bridgend Police Station.
Detective Superintendent Paul Burke said: "Our thoughts are with Rebecca's family, who are naturally devastated. A murder investigation is under way and I would appeal for anyone with information to please contact the incident room."
Anyone with information was asked to contact Bridgend Police Station on 01656 679585 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police were at the scene near a bus stop on the outskirts of the village where a section of trees was taped off and lit with lamps. Equipment, including strimmers, was unloaded from a vehicle from South Wales Police specialist search unit parked at the roadside.
South Wales Police would not comment on how the girl died. A spokeswoman said a post-mortem examination has yet to take place.
Two 15-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a girl of the same age.
The body of Rebecca Aylward was found in a wooded area just outside Aberkenfig, Bridgend, South Wales, at about 9am on Sunday.
Rebecca, of Maesteg, was last seen at about 12.30pm on Saturday in Sarn Hill, Sarn, when she was dropped off by relatives to visit a friend. She was reported missing by her mother that evening when she failed to return home.
South Wales Police said two local boys were arrested and were being held in custody.
Her family have been informed and were being supported and updated about the investigation by family liaison officers.
Detectives appealed for anyone who may have seen Rebecca on Saturday to come forward. An incident room has been set up at Bridgend Police Station.
Detective Superintendent Paul Burke said: "Our thoughts are with Rebecca's family, who are naturally devastated. A murder investigation is under way and I would appeal for anyone with information to please contact the incident room."
Anyone with information was asked to contact Bridgend Police Station on 01656 679585 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police were at the scene near a bus stop on the outskirts of the village where a section of trees was taped off and lit with lamps. Equipment, including strimmers, was unloaded from a vehicle from South Wales Police specialist search unit parked at the roadside.
South Wales Police would not comment on how the girl died. A spokeswoman said a post-mortem examination has yet to take place.