A PUPIL discovered a dead body in woodland during their lunch break at an Edinburgh school on Tuesday.

Police have launched an investigation into the discovery which took place within the grounds of Liberton High School at around 1.30pm.

Detectives are treating the death as unexplained but it is understood that a homeless hostel nearby may form part of police inquiries.

Edinburgh City Council said the school day continued as normal and the body had been found at the bottom of the school playing fields.

The Herald:

Picture: Gordon Terris/The Herald

An Edinburgh Council spokesman said: "At lunchtime today staff were alerted to the discovery of a body in the wooded area of the school grounds.

"Emergency services were called and Police Scotland are carrying out inquiries. We are not aware that this matter relates in any way to the school."  

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "A man's body was discovered in a wooded area at Liberton High School.

"It was reported around 1.30pm on Tuesday August 30.

"The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries to establish the full circumstances are at an early stage."