A 14-year-old boy is due to appear in court today charged with the murder of missing teenager Lilly Jones, whose body was discovered near a Welsh bowling club earlier this week.
The youth, who cannot be legally identified due to his age, was arrested after emergency services uncovered the tragic scene in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on Monday, June 22. While formal identification has not yet been finalized, Gwent Police have confirmed they strongly believe the body is that of the missing 14-year-old.
Lilly had been the subject of an urgent missing persons appeal after disappearing from Blaina High Street at around 6:50 PM on Saturday, June 20.
Following the grim discovery, forensic teams cordoned off large sections of Pilgrims Park, adjacent to the A467, as well as areas around Duffryn Park. Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas confirmed that a heavy police presence will remain in the community as meticulous scene examinations continue over the coming days.
”Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Lilly at this incredibly difficult time,” DCI Thomas said, while issuing a stark warning to the public regarding social media speculation. “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.”
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed they authorized Gwent Police to officially charge the teenager with murder. Jenny Hopkins, representing the CPS, emphasized the strict legal boundaries now in place.
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”The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this person are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial,” Hopkins stated. “It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
The accused youth remains in custody and is scheduled to face Newport Magistrates’ Court later today, June 26. Police have expressed gratitude to local residents for their patience and cooperation as the tight-knit Blaenau Gwent community reels from the tragedy.
