Body found in Blaina park after girl, 14, reported missing — boy arrested for murder

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a body was discovered in Duffryn Park, Blaina. Missing teenager Lilly was last seen on Saturday evening.

Boy, 14, held on suspicion of murder after body found in Blaina park

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a body was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, at approximately 22:10 BST on Monday. Gwent Police confirmed the boy, from the Blaenau Gwent area, remains in police custody.

The discovery follows the disappearance of Lilly, 14, who was last seen on High Street, Blaina, at around 18:50 on Saturday 20 June. Formal identification has not yet taken place, but Lilly's family has been informed. Specially trained officers are continuing to support them.

Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas, the senior investigating officer, said officers maintain "a significant police presence in the area" and that enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

"We currently have one person in police custody being questioned," Thomas said. "I'm asking anyone with information to please come and speak with us — you can do this in person, or you can contact us on the usual channels."

Thomas also urged the public to refrain from speculating online. "Such comments can have an impact on our ability to bring anyone, found to have committed a criminal offence, to justice," he said.

Family appeals and community searches

Before the body was found, Lilly's family had appealed on social media for her to return home and had organised searches of the local area. One relative posted: "Lilly, please come home my girl, I promise you're not in any trouble no matter why or how, we just want you home. No matter where you are, find the nearest police station. No questions asked, you're not in any trouble — we just love you and want you home."

On Tuesday, a heavy police presence was visible in and around Duffryn Park. A blue police tent was erected roughly 100 metres inside the park from the cordon, near a field close to a junction with the A467. Officers patrolled the surrounding streets in pairs and small groups, with additional officers seen arriving at the park throughout the day. Members of the public left floral tributes close to the scene.

Political and community response

Niamh Salkeld, Plaid Cymru Senedd member for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, said she was "deeply saddened by this tragic news", adding that the development "will have shocked communities across Blaenau Gwent, particularly in Blaina and among those who knew Lilly personally". Salkeld also encouraged anyone with information that could assist police to come forward.

Community councillor Lisa Winnett described the news as "devastating", saying her thoughts and prayers were with the family. She said Vicar Liane Chalmers of St Peter's Church, Blaina, had opened its doors for community members to light a candle for Lilly, write in a book of condolence, or speak with clergy.

Mayor Ken Jones said the news was particularly affecting given that pupils at the local comprehensive school would feel the impact directly. "We're not used to this sort of thing in our area," he said. "Nobody is familiar with this sort of thing." A Tuesday evening meeting of Nantyglo and Blaina Town Council was cancelled as a mark of respect. "As a community we send our sincere and heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family," Jones added.

Gwent Police have asked anyone with information to come forward via their standard contact channels.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)