The community of Blaina in Blaenau Gwent has been left devastated following the death of 14-year-old Lilly Jones, who is alleged to have been murdered. Heartfelt tributes and flowers have been left near Duffryn Park, where a body was discovered on Monday evening as part of the search for the missing teenager.
Discovery and Arrest
Lilly Jones was reported missing from Blaina on Saturday, prompting a police appeal and social media searches organised by her family. Gwent Police confirmed that a body was found in the Duffryn Park area on Monday evening. Formal identification is yet to take place, but Lilly's family has been informed. A 14-year-old boy from Blaenau Gwent has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Tributes at the Scene
Floral tributes near the cordon at Duffryn Park described Lilly as "a beautiful girl" and "an amazing friend." A candle was also burning at the scene. Brynmawr Foundation School, where Lilly is understood to have been a pupil, left flowers with the message: "Always in our hearts." A friend's note thanked Lilly for their memories together, saying she will be missed "so much." Another tribute, believed to be from a family member, said the 14-year-old was loved "beyond words." One note simply read: "Gone too soon." Small pink teddy bears were placed within some bouquets.
Community Response
The tributes have been placed around a tree near the entrance of Duffryn Park, which remains cordoned off. A police incident sign prevents access from the busy A467 road. On Wednesday morning, a police car and community support officers were present at the cordon. A footbridge over the A467 to the park was also taped off, and plain-clothed officers continued inquiries. A blue police tent was visible around 100 metres inside the park.
Vicar Liane Chalmers of St Peter's Church, Blaina, opened the church for "anyone in the community to light a candle for Lilly, write in a book of condolence, or speak with the clergy." Dozens of tealights were lit next to a black-and-white photo of Lilly. One woman, who did not know the family but helped in the searches, said the "tragic news" had affected communities across Blaenau Gwent. "She was just a child. It puts everything into perspective," she added.
A mother at the church said she wanted to leave a message for Lilly's mother: "I want to let her know that there's people out there who are thinking of her." Another resident, who lives opposite the park, said the news came as "such a shock." Stephen, a Blaina resident, described the town as quiet and said everyone was saddened by the death of someone so young.
Fundraiser and School Support
A fundraiser set up to help pay for Lilly's funeral and memorial raised more than £6,000 in a matter of hours. The organiser said: "Let's pull together again to raise enough money to give this beautiful angel the send off she deserves." The page added that her parents Carl and Gemma have had their "lives changed forever, experiencing something no parent should."
Brynmawr Foundation School is closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to severe weather warnings but said support will be available for pupils affected by "the awful tragedy." A school statement read: "Our thoughts are with family and loved ones at this difficult time. We are here for pupils who are affected by this news."
Police Investigation
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas said officers were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death. "We continue to have a significant police presence in the area and understand the concern amongst our communities at this time," he said. "Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and we currently have one person in police custody being questioned. I'm asking anyone with information to please come and speak with us. I'd also encourage people not to speculate online as this is a live investigation."
Gwent Police has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in line with normal procedures. An IOPC spokesman said: "We can confirm we have received a mandatory referral from Gwent Police in connection with this matter. The referral is now being assessed to see if the IOPC needs to be involved any further."
