A MAN has been charged with murder after the body of missing teenager Jayde Kendall was found near Gatton.

Brendan Bennetts, 18, who owned a car Jayde was last seen getting into on August 14, was arrested this evening and later formally charged with murder.

A local resident searching their property found Jayde’s body about 9.30am today about 50m off a road and contacted police.

Detective Acting Inspector Matt Howard confirmed on Thursday night a body located on a property near Jayde’s home town Gatton was that of the 16-year-old.

Insp Howard said it was “highly likely” Jayde’s body had been left in a random position and police did not have an indication of when she was brought there.

He said police were were unsure of the motive.

“I have spoken to Jayde’s father and her extended family and as you can imagine they are very upset to hear this news,” Insp Howard said.

A landowner searched their property and called Crime Stoppers after police earlier this week appealed for people to search.

“At this stage there is no evidence to suggest that the male person wasn’t acting alone,” Det Insp Howard said.

“It’s been a very complex investigation ... it has been very hard on investigators and obviously the family but it has led us to this result.

“Obviously there is no winners in this investigation but we have ended up with a result and have arrested a male person for the murder of Jayde.”

media_camera The accused is driven to the Brisbane watchouse. Pic: Steve Pohlner

Bennetts was the driver and owner of the red Toyota Corolla that picked her up after school almost two weeks ago.

His parents have spoken for the first time, telling The Courier-Mail they are standing by their son but are sorry for the loss of her family and friends.

EARLIER: It is understood the discovery of the body was made in a paddock about 17km from Gatton.

It comes almost two weeks after Jayde went missing.

The 16-year-old’s family was informed of the tragic discovery this afternoon.

Police have blocked off Allens Rd at Upper Tenthill and set up a crime scene.

“It has been a very complex investigation...has been very hard on investigators and obviously the family,” Detective Acting Inspector Matt Howard said tonight.

Jayde, 16, was last seen on August 14 getting into a man’s car outside Lockyer District High School.

Her disappearance rocked the Gatton community, which held a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night in one of the town’s churches. Her family hoped the ceremony would guide the teen back to them, her aunt Jenny Morrissey said on Thursday.

“The love and support of family and the whole community has been overwhelming,” she wrote on Facebook.

“It fills our heart and keeps us focused on finding our beautiful girl. Keep on sharing and help us bring Jayde back to our loving arms.”

EARLIER: POLICE have set up a crime scene outside of Gatton this afternoon in the region where teenager Jayde Kendall went missing.

media_camera The area near Gatton where police found a teenage girl’s body.

A mobile police facility is at the scene on the corner of Allens and Mount Sylvia roads, near Tenthill, about 17km from Gatton.

It has not been confirmed if the development is linked to the disappearance of missing teenager Jayde Kendall.

Police have blocked access to the scene on Allens Rd.

The area is surrounded by farms. Police are yet to comment.

The crime scene at Upper Tenthill, in vicinity of Jayde Kendall disappearance. @TomChamberlin pic.twitter.com/TTCigFvA0n — Kate Kyriacou (@KateKyriacou) August 27, 2015

Last night, Gatton locals held a candlelight vigil for Jayde.

Google Earth view of area sth of Gatton where police have est a crime scene. Unconfirmed if linked to Jayde Kendall pic.twitter.com/zsJA8UGPNC — Tom Snowdon (@TWSnowdon) August 27, 2015

Detective Acting Inspector Matt Howard says a press conference will be held later on Thursday night

media_camera Police in the search area near Gatton.