A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the discovery of a missing teenage girl's body in south Wales, Gwent police confirmed on Thursday.
Arrest and charge
The boy, from the Blaenau Gwent area, was arrested after the body of 14-year-old Lilly was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on 22 June. Formal identification is pending, but police believe the body is that of Lilly, who had been reported missing. The suspect, described as white British and who cannot be named for legal reasons, is in custody and is scheduled to appear at Newport Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Circumstances of the disappearance
Lilly was last seen on High Street, Blaina, at approximately 6:50 pm on Saturday, 20 June. Her body was discovered two days later, leading to a police cordon at Pilgrims Park, adjacent to the A467, where floral tributes have been left by the public.
Police statement
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 investigations continue, with a significant police presence in the area and examinations of scenes, including Duffryn Park, where cordons remain in place. Thomas thanked local residents for their support and patience.
