Boy, 14, charged with murder over death of teenager Lilly in Wales

Gwent police say accused will face court in Newport following arrest over discovery of teenage girl’s body in Duffryn Park area of Blaina

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder after the discovery of a missing 14-year-old girl’s body, Gwent police said.

The boy, from the Blaenau Gwent area, was arrested after the discovery of the body in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina in Wales on 22 June.

Formal identification was being awaited, but police said the body was believed to be that of a 14-year-old missing girl called Lilly.

The teenage boy, described by police as white British and who cannot be named for legal reasons, was in custody and would appear at Newport magistrates court on Friday, police said.

Police said they were releasing Lilly’s name with her family’s knowledge because it would form part of the court proceedings.

She had been reported missing, and was last seen in High Street, Blaina, at about 6.50pm on Saturday 20 June.

Parts of Pilgrims Park, which is adjacent to the A467 in Blaina, were cordoned off after the body was discovered. Floral tributes were left close to the scene by members of the public.

Det Ch Insp 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.

“Even though we’ve reached this significant development in our investigation, our inquiries continue and you will still see a significant police presence in the area.

“Examinations of scenes will be continuing over the coming days, including at Duffryn Park, where cordons remain in place.

“I would like to thank local residents for their continued support and those impacted by the cordons for their patience during this time.”