Body confirmed as missing Ashley

Ashley Dighton went to a supermarket with friends

The body of a man found in woodland near a motorway in Kent two months ago has been confirmed as that of missing teenager Ashley Dighton.

The 19-year-old was last seen on 11 June at the Sainsbury's supermarket in Simone Weil Avenue, Ashford.

His body was found in woodland behind the store, near the M20, a month later. His death is being treated as murder.

Mr Dighton's father described his son's death as a "terrible tragedy" and urged people to help detectives.

Ambrose Dighton said: "We hope that anybody out there who can help in the police investigation will come forward.

"The family would be very grateful. This has been a terrible tragedy for us and we need answers."

Acting Det Ch Insp Dave Withers said: "Although Ashley's family suspected the worst, having to wait for the outcome of the scientific tests has been a distressing time for them."

Route home

Kent Police have not given details of a cause of death.

CCTV images showed Mr Dighton at the supermarket with a group of friends on the day he went missing.

When his body was found nearby a month later, police said the location was on his route home from the store.

A three-week search of the wooded area involving about 100 officers followed.

Detectives have appealed for information from anyone who thinks they saw Mr Dighton on 11 June, especially at Sainsbury's or the walkway through the wooded area to the back of the supermarket which is known locally as "the dip".