DOZENS of officers are combing through an area of woodland following the discovery of a missing teenager's body.

Police investigating the disappearance of Marc Williams, 18, who was reported missing from Uckfield on Sunday, announced they found a body this afternoon.

Search teams located a body in woodland surrounding the Heron’s Ghyll area late last night.

While the body has not been formally identified at this early stage, it is believed to be Marc.

Next of kin have been informed and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.

A section of the A26 was closed, while officers combed the area for evidence.

Pictures taken from the scene showed dozens of officers searching the long grass, as police tape ropes off a section of trees.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of his murder in Eastbourne on Tuesday, June 1.

He remains in custody for questioning at this time.

The Argus: Police pictured combing an area of woodland Police pictured combing an area of woodland

Detective chief inspector Emma Vickers said: "This is an absolutely devastating discovery and our thoughts are with Marc's family at this difficult time. His family are being supported by specially trained officers and we ask that their privacy is respected.

"This investigation is a dynamic and fast-moving enquiry and our officers are working around the clock to establish the circumstances of this incident. I am extremely grateful to our respective police teams for their unwavering commitment to finding Marc.

"We thank the public for their patience and understanding as we continue to carry out our work in the area and urge people to support us by avoiding engaging in online speculation while we investigate.

"Anyone with information that may assist with our investigation is urged to report it to us immediately online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Skittle."