The family of a 14-year-old schoolgirl found dead near her home in Blaina, Wales, have described the 'torture' she was put through. Lilly Jones was discovered in dense undergrowth close to the town's bowls club in Duffryn Park on the evening of June 24, 2026.
Family's statement and community response
In a statement, her family expressed gratitude: 'Thank you so much to everyone who shared, searched and helped us we can never thank you all enough. Thank you for all the support. The messages. This community has stood together and we appreciate every single person.' They asked people to stop contacting them directly, as they had received hundreds of online requests from non-locals. 'This is not gossip. This is our baby's life and the torture she has been put through,' they added.
Timeline of events
Lilly was last seen on the High Street in Blaina at around 6:50pm on Saturday, June 20. Witnesses reported seeing her at a kebab shop, where she appeared to be waiting for someone. A large-scale search was launched involving helicopters, dozens of volunteers, and a family appeal for anyone who had her to let her go. Her body was found at 10pm, hidden in undergrowth 50 yards from a bowls club that was being used to provide refreshments for searchers.
Arrest and investigation
A 14-year-old boy from the Blaenau Gwent area has been arrested and is in police custody. The murder has been referred to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), 'in line with normal procedures.' Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas said: '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. 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.'
Community reaction
Mum-of-two Katy Bennett, 44, who joined the search, told The Sun: 'I searched very close to that spot and didn't see anything, she must have been covered up. There were about 60 of us out looking for her in that area on Monday night. The whole community rallied around to look for Lilly. I left the search at 9pm but there were still people arriving to help at that time. She was found at ten past ten.'
