A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a body believed to be that of a missing 14-year-old girl named Lilly was discovered in a park in Blaina, Wales. The arrest was made by Gwent Police, who confirmed the teenager is from the Blaenau Gwent area and is currently in police custody.
Discovery and Police Response
The body was found at approximately 10pm on Monday, June 22, in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina. Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the body is believed to be that of Lilly, whose family has been informed. A large police presence remains at the scene, with officers working to establish the cause of death. Emergency services have been at the park since the discovery, and a police cordon is in place at Pilgrims Park in Blaina, Abertillery.
Investigation Details
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas stated: "We continue to have a significant police presence in the area and understand the concern amongst our communities at this time. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and we currently have one person in police custody being questioned." He urged anyone with information to come forward and discouraged online speculation, as it could impact the investigation.
Gwent Police had previously appealed for information about Lilly on Monday afternoon, stating she was last seen on High Street, Blaina, at around 6.50pm on Saturday, June 20. She was described as white, approximately 5ft 6in tall, of medium build, with long black hair, and was last seen wearing a long black dress and black sandals. She had links to areas in Brynmawr, a town just north of Blaina.
Community Reaction
Local Councillor Lisa Catherine Winnett expressed the community's devastation, saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with Lilly's family at this devastating and awful time. I hope police work promptly now to find the perpetrator. We are a close-knit community here in Blaina and the impact this has had on all of us is immense. Since Lilly was reported as missing there have been extensive searches by family, friends and members of the community. On Monday, police had drones searching and helicopters." Floral tributes have been left at the scene, including a message reading "Rest in peace Lilly" with a heart drawing.
Appeal for Information
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwent Police quoting reference 2600197059, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Gwent Police has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in line with normal procedures.
