A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the discovery of a missing 14-year-old girl's body, Gwent Police said. The teenager, from the Blaenau Gwent area, was arrested after the body was found in Duffryn Park, Blaina, on June 22.
Victim identified as Lilly
Formal identification has not yet taken place, but police said the body is believed to be that of a 14-year-old missing girl named Lilly. Police released her name with her family's knowledge because it will form part of the court proceedings. She had been reported missing after last being seen on High Street, Blaina, at around 6.50pm on Saturday June 20.
Court appearance and custody
The teenager, described by police as white British and who cannot be named for legal reasons, is in custody and will appear at Newport Magistrates' Court on Friday. Parts of Pilgrims Park, adjacent to the A467 in Blaina, were cordoned off after the body was discovered. Floral tributes were left near the scene by members of the public.
Police appeal for information
Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas said: “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. Police are asking anyone with CCTV footage or information to contact them via 101, quoting reference 2600194414, or online.
