A 14‑year‑old male has been charged with murder following the discovery of the body of a missing 14‑year‑old girl in Wales, Gwent Police reported.
The suspect, from the Blaenau Gwent region, was taken into custody after the body was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on 22 June.
Formal identification procedures are pending, but authorities believe the remains belong to the missing teenager, Lily.
The accused, identified by police as white British and subject to a legal naming restriction, remains in custody and is scheduled to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas stated that Lily’s name is being released with her family’s consent as it will be part of the forthcoming court proceedings.
The girl had been reported missing and was last seen on High Street in Blaina at approximately 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, 20 June.
Sections of Pilgrims Park, located adjacent to the A467 in Blaina, were cordoned off after the body’s discovery, and floral tributes have been placed near the site by members of the public.
“Our sympathies go out to Lily’s family and friends at this profoundly difficult time,” Detective Chief Inspector Thomas said.
“We are aware of the intense public interest surrounding this ongoing investigation.
“It is essential that the public reflect on how their language, particularly online comments, may affect our ability to bring any individual found responsible for a criminal offence to justice.
“Although we have achieved a significant development in this inquiry, our investigations continue and a substantial police presence will remain in the area.
“We thank local residents for their continued cooperation and ask those affected by the cordons to remain patient while examinations of the scene proceed.”
