The murder case that has shocked China: Bullied boy's remains are found buried in 'abandoned vegetable shed' as three of the teenager's classmates are arrested over horrifying death

Chinese authorities have arrested three teenage boys over the brutal death and botched burial of their 13-year-old classmate. 

The young boy, who has only been identified by his surname, Wang, was reportedly found buried in an abandoned vegetable shed in Handan, north China, last week. 

His face was badly damaged by a shovel that was used to bury him, the state-owned Global Times reported. 

According to Wang's father, the boy left his home at around 1pm on March 10, and wasn't heard from since around 5pm. 

The boy's family searched from 5pm to 10pm, but they could not find him. 

After police got involved and checked surveillance footage, they found that the boy last spent time with his three now-detained classmates, all of whom denied they had met him. 

The young boy, who has only been identified by his surname, Wang, (pictured) was reportedly found buried in an abandoned vegetable shed in Handan, north China , last week

But by checking Wang's WeChat messages, Wang's father found his son had transferred some money to one of the three bullies. 

After being presented with the evidence, they quickly broke down and admitted to burying him in the abandoned vegetable shed. 

An autopsy has since revealed he suffered severe injuries to the head and back 

Wang's father said the teenager had a good character, and was always keen to help his family with chores around the house. 

He had previously been reluctant to go to school, but his parents dismissed these concerns as they did not realise he was being bullied for a long time. 

Police are still investigating his death. 

The case has triggered a wave of grief across China, with tens of thousands of posts about it being made on social media platforms Weibo and Douyin. 

One social media user said in a comment that got 50,000 likes: 'The whole country is watching this case, hope the police can be fair and give the victim's family a satisfying answer.'