A BODY found in a field alongside the A500 is believed to be that of a missing 16-year-old boy from Wistaston, police have confirmed.

The teenager had been reported missing by family and friends on Monday night.

A police helicopter assisted searches on the ground for the youngster.

However, this was abandoned following the discovery of the body on Tuesday.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said on Tuesday: “At approximately 9.00am today officers we called to reports of the sudden death near to the A500, Shavington Bypass.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a case file will be prepared for the coroner.

“Formal identification of the boy has not yet been completed, but it is believed to be a 16-year-old boy from Wistaston who was reported missing late on Monday, November 28.”

The boy was a pupil at Shavington Academy.

A school spokesman said: “It is with great sadness that we received the news that one of our Year 11 pupils had passed away in tragic circumstances.

“We talked to the pupils in separate year assemblies on Tuesday and allowed Year 11 pupils to go home early, if they were collected by a parent.

"Almost all chose to remain in school.

“Mock Exams have been cancelled for the rest of this week. We are now in the process of bringing a counsellor into school and staff are available to speak with pupils at this incredibly sad time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the pupil’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”