A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a body believed to be that of missing 14-year-old girl Lilly was discovered in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, on June 22. The teenager, described as white British and from the Blaenau Gwent area, has been remanded in police custody and is due to appear before Newport Magistrates' Court, according to Gwent Police.
Discovery and Investigation
Police were alerted after a body was found in Duffryn Park on June 22. Formal identification has not yet been completed, but authorities believe the body to be that of Lilly, who had been reported missing after last being seen on High Street, Blaina, around 6.50pm on Saturday, June 20. Parts of Pilgrims Park, adjacent to the A467 in Blaina, were cordoned off following the discovery. Members of the public have left floral tributes near the scene.
Police Statement and Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas expressed condolences: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Lilly at this difficult time. We understand that there has been a great deal of interest in this ongoing investigation. It is vital that people consider how their language, especially comments made online, could affect our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice." He added that examinations of scenes will continue over the coming days, including at Duffryn Park, where cordons remain in place, and thanked local residents for their support.
Ongoing Enquiries
Officers urge anyone with CCTV footage or information that might assist the investigation to contact police on 101, quoting reference 2600194414, or online. The boy cannot be named due to legal reasons, and Lilly's first name has been released with her family's consent as it will form part of court proceedings.
