THE body of a 15-year-old boy has been found in a churchyard.

Elido Vargas, from Burgess Hill, had been missing from his home since Tuesday afternoon.

The body was discovered at 12.45pm today by a member of the public at St John the Evangelist's Church in Lower Church Road, Burgess Hill.

Superintendent James Collis, of Sussex Police, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Elido at this tragic time.

"We have officers supporting the family at this time and the family have asked for privacy.

"We appreciate all the support from the public who shared our appeals assisting our searching and enquires throughout this heart-breaking case."

The body has not been formally identified, but police say it is Elido. The coroner has been informed.

Floral tributes and cards have been laid at the scene and the church is putting on a service for Elido.

Teary-eyed classmates were seen entering the church.

One of Elido’s neighbours in Millers Way, who did not want to be named, told The Argus: “I’ve been here since February and Elido was always very smartly dressed, pleasant and he looked after his younger siblings.

“I last saw Elido on Tuesday bringing the rubbish back to his house.

“On Tuesday at 7.30pm there were four police cars that came to our road. That’s when I found out he went missing.

“At midnight on Wednesday my wife woke me up because there was a police helicopter around.

“I speak to the father quite often because we both like motorbikes.

“The family are lovely.

“Elido was a lovely boy. I’m devastated to hear he is dead."

Burgess Hill resident Allan Kennedy, 30, of Burdocks Drive, said: “It’s really sad that this has happened to a 15-year-old boy.

“It’s supposed to be one of the happiest times of his life but sadly he had to go so quickly.

“When I was a schoolboy I used to work in Lower Church Road with my mates.

“It affects me deeply because this was part of my childhood where I spent my school days.

“To know a schoolboy has died here is really sad.”

If you knew Elido and would like to pay tribute to him, email amir.razavi@theargus.co.uk or hsin-yi.lo@theargus.co.uk