Teenager, 14, charged with murder after girl’s body found ‘500 yards from home’

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder after the body of a missing 14-year-old girl has been found.

Formal identification has not taken police, but Gwent Police said the body is believed to be of missing 14-year-old Lilly.

She was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on June 22 just 500 yards from her home.

A 14-year-old boy, described by police as white British, from the Blaenau Gwent area, has been arrested.

The teenager, described by police as white British who cannot be named for legal reasons, is in custody and will appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Floral tributes were left close to the scene by members of the public.

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.

‘Even though we’ve reached this significant development in our investigation, our enquiries 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.’

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