A MURDER inquiry has been launched after the body of a missing 10-year-old Leigh girl was found by her grandfather in woods.

Lauren Pilkington-Smith's body was found near her home in Twist Lane, Leigh, early on Friday morning.

Her family had been searching for her with police and members of the public since she went missing shortly after 10pm on Thursday night.

Lauren's family became concerned when she did not return home after playing with friends.

Det Supt Andy Tattersall, who is leading the investigation, said: "We don't yet know exactly how Lauren died, but we have cordoned off the spot where her body was found and officers are currently at the scene working to recover any forensic evidence from the area.

"Lauren's death is a tragic incident and our thoughts and sympathies are with her friends and family."

Lauren's mother, Alison Pilkington-Smith, and father, Glen Smith, paid tribute to their "beautiful, lovely little girl".

"Our world has collapsed in the last 24 hours and we can't even begin to think what we will do without her," they added.

"Lauren was a tomboy who loved playing with her friends.

"Everyone around here loved her. She was football-mad and a huge Manchester United fan. She loved playing golf and riding her BMX."

Her parents are now comforting Lauren's sister Rebecca, 15, brother Sam, four, and two-and-a-half-year-old Ciara.

A post-mortem examination is due to be held.