Tragic attack in South Wales leaves 17-year-old girl dead and mother injured
A 17-year-old schoolgirl has been stabbed to death in a horrific attack inside her UK home, with her mother sustaining serious injuries trying to save her life.
Police were called to a property in Cefn Fforest, near Blackwood, South Wales at around 7.15am on Thursday and discovered Lainie Williams with multiple stab wounds.
The girl was tragically pronounced dead at the scene while paramedics rushed her 38-year-old mother Rhian Stephens to hospital.
It is understood she was seriously injured in the attack while trying to protect her daughter.
Cops have since arrested an 18-year-old man, from Newbridge, on suspicion of murder and attempted murder in connection with the incident.
He remains in police custody.
Lainie’s great-grandmother, Florence Jones, 78, told The Mail, “Her mother said Lainie put up a fantastic fight against him.
“I’m in total shock, she was a lovely bubbly girl. She lived with me for the last few years, I can’t believe what’s happened. Things like this don’t happen in our family.”
Grandfather Robert Stephens alleged, “He lunged at Lainie with the knife and her mother heard her screams.”
The devastated relative claimed Lainie told her eight-year-old brother, who witnessed the horror, to hide under a bed in order to save him.
It is understood he is with his father while his mother remains in hospital.
Heartbroken locals have been rocked by the tragedy and paid emotional tributes to Lainie.
One resident said, “Lainie was the loveliest, kindest person who had a lot of friends. The girls are in bits.”
And mum-of-two Rhian, who had lived in the semi-detached house for at least five years, has been described as a “caring person but who kept herself to herself”.
Another local, Michelle Davies, said, “It is terrible. That poor girl had everything to live for and now she is gone.
“At least the mother survived but she will never get over what she witnessed.”
Armed officers stormed an address in the town this morning after they received reports that two people had sustained serious injuries.
An air ambulance landed opposite the house to take the victims to hospital.
Police have asked people to stay calm while they investigate the horrific attacks in a quiet street of former council houses.
Neighbours said they woke to the sounds of sirens, helicopters and banging doors.
“There was an eight-year-old boy living there. I feel sorry for him because he would have seen what happened,” claimed one.
“I woke up this morning to see the street full of police cars and ambulances. It’s shocking.”
They saw two older women arrive in floods of tears and a resident had to fetch a camping chair to support one of them.
Neighbour Elaine Lewis, 79, said, “It’s horrible, I feel for the young girl, she had her whole life ahead of her.
“The street was closed off and an air ambulance landed on the grass area we call the Bullring opposite the family’s house.”
Another neighbour said they were awoken by the sounds of helicopters landing shortly after 7.15am before seeing “chaos” outside.
He said, “It’s usually a very quiet area, you don’t expect something like this to happen on your doorstep.”
Two police officers were guarding the rear of the house on Thursday night, while forensic officers in white suits carried on their investigations.
Four young girls arrived to lay three bouquets of flowers at the police cordon.
Detectives are continuing their probe into the teen’s tragic death but said they are not looking for any other suspects at this time.
A Gwent Police spokesman said, “Officers, including firearms officers as a precaution, attended a property in Wheatley Place at around 7.15am on Thursday November 13 after reports that two people had sustained serious injuries.
“Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Welsh Air Ambulance were in attendance.”
The scene was taped off and guarded by police officers today following the raid.
Pictures show a heavy police presence around the home in Blackwood with several police vehicles parked near the property.
Anyone with information relating to the tragedy has been asked to contact South Wales Police immediately.
Officers said they will be increasing patrols in the area to reassure the public.
Detective Superintendent Philip O’Connell, the senior investigating officer, said the family of the girl have been informed.
He added, “We can confirm that we’re not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident after making this arrest earlier.
“We understand that reports of this nature can be concerning, and it is likely that residents will see an increased number of officers in the area while we carry out further inquires.
“If anyone has any information, please speak to our officers or contact us in the usual way.”
Shane Williams, Cefn Fforest Councillor, added, “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have unfolded, and I understand that the police are not looking for anyone else in connection.
“But as councillors, we’d like to do our best to reassure everyone, and our thoughts are with the family at this time.
“We are all hoping for a full recovery for the woman who was hospitalised. Something like this is highly unusual in this area, and I can understand if many residents are now frightened.
“When a young girl loses her life like that, it’s quite horrendous.”
Independent Councillor Kevin Ethridge also paid tribute and wrote, “As the local county councillor for Blackwood, I’d like to send my condolences to the family.”
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