Police charge boy with murder in Blaenau Gwent investigation

Police charge boy with murder in Blaenau Gwent investigation

Gwent Police have charged a 14-year-old boy with murder following the discovery of a female body during a search related to a missing girl in south Wales. The youth, from the Blaenau Gwent area, remains unnamed due to legal restrictions and has been remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Newport Magistrates Court scheduled for later on Friday.

The male suspect was taken into custody after authorities discovered the body in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on Monday. Although the identity of the deceased has not been formally confirmed, police believe the remains to be those of a 14-year-old girl named Lilly, who had been reported missing.

Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas expressed condolences for the deceased’s family, stating, “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Lilly at this difficult time.” He also noted that Lilly’s name was released with the family’s consent as it will appear in court proceedings, which are public records.

DCI Thomas further highlighted the importance of responsible behavior from the public, particularly regarding language used online. He remarked, “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.” Despite the recent progress in the case, police investigations are ongoing, and a significant presence will remain in the area. Scenes, including the one at Duffryn Park, continue to be examined with cordons still in place.

Jenny Hopkins from the Crown Prosecution Service urged the public to refrain from reporting or commenting on the case in ways that could prejudice the proceedings. Members of the community who have relevant CCTV footage or information are encouraged to contact the police directly by phone, quoting the log reference 2600194414, or through social media platforms like Facebook and X, as well as via online contact forms

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