Murder Investigation Underway After Teen Found Deceased
Authorities have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a body in the search for a missing 14-year-old girl. The teenager, identified by police as Lilly, was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina, a former mining village near Ebbw Vale, on Monday evening.
Concerned residents had been actively searching for Lilly after she was last seen on Saturday evening. She was reportedly wearing a long black dress when last sighted in the town’s high street around 6:50 PM. Locals noted that Lilly’s phone had been inactive since approximately 6:30 PM on Saturday, with her last confirmed sighting occurring twenty minutes later.
One resident recounted seeing Lilly near a local kebab shop on the night of her disappearance. “I told her that she looked lovely,” the resident stated. “She crossed over and walked through the church yard.” The witness indicated it appeared Lilly might have been waiting for someone.
Extensive Search Efforts Preceded Discovery
During the police search, drones were deployed to cover the area. Lilly’s body was discovered approximately half a mile from where she was last seen, near a waterside path in Pilgrims Park. Her mother had previously made a desperate plea, stating, “Please bring my baby back home.”
A spokesperson for Gwent Police confirmed the development: “Gwent Police has launched a murder investigation after the body of a female was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on Monday 22 June, at about 10:10 PM. Formal identification has yet to take place, however the family of Lilly, aged 14, who had been reported as missing to Gwent Police has been informed.”
Community Urged to Provide Information
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas, addressed the community’s concerns: “We understand that this will cause distress and concern amongst our communities. We have a large police presence in the area at this time as enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the death. Our officers are here and available for you to speak to. We encourage anyone with information to please speak with us or you can contact us on the usual channels.”
An earlier appeal from Gwent Police described Lilly as white, approximately 5ft 6 inches tall, with a medium build and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a long black dress and black sandals. Police also noted she had known links to the Brynmawr area.
