Teen boy arrested on suspicion of murder after 14-year-old girl reported missing

A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a body was found following the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl in south Wales.

The discovery was made in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, at about 22:10 BST on Monday.

Gwent Police said the 14-year-old boy from the Blaenau Gwent area was currently in police custody.

Formal identification has yet to take place but the family of the girl reported missing, who was named only as Lilly, was informed. Specially trained officers continue to support her family.

Det Ch Insp Steven Thomas, senior investigating officer, said: "We continue to have a significant police presence in the area and understand the concern amongst our communities at this time.

"Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and we currently have one person in police custody being questioned.

"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.

"I'd also encourage people not to speculate online as this is a live investigation and such comments can have an impact on our ability to bring anyone, found to have committed a criminal offence, to justice."

Lilly had previously been reported missing, and was last seen in High Street, Blaina, at around 18:50 on Saturday 20 June.

Her family had appealed on social media for her to come home and had also organised searches around 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."

In the south Wales valleys town there was a heavy police presence in and around Duffryn Park on Tuesday.

About 100m into the park from the police cordon was a blue police tent, which may provide the focus of the investigation.

Police officers have been patrolling the streets in twos and threes, and more officers were seen arriving at the park.

Floral tributes were also left close to the scene by members of the public.

Niamh Salkeld, a Plaid Cymru Senedd member for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, said she was "deeply saddened by this tragic news".

"My thoughts are with Lilly's family, friends and loved ones at what must be an unimaginably difficult time.

"This news will have shocked communities across Blaenau Gwent, particularly in Blaina and among those who knew Lilly personally.

"I know many people will be struggling to come to terms with what has happened."

Salkeld also encouraged anyone who may have information that could assist police to come forward.

Community councillor Lisa Winnett said: "This is devastating news, thoughts and prayers are with the family at this unimaginable time."

She said vicar Liane Chalmers of St Peter's Church, Blaina, had opened its doors for "anyone in the community to light a candle for Lilly, write in a book of condolence or speak with the clergy".

Mayor Ken Jones said: "I have two granddaughters attending the local comprehensive school so the impact it must have on the pupils must be devastating.

"We're not used to this sort of thing in our area. Nobody is familiar with this sort of thing."

He said a Tuesday evening meeting of Nantyglo and Blaina Town Council had been cancelled as a mark of respect, adding: "As a community we send our sincere and heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family."