Missing girl, 14, found dead in park as police launch murder probe

Cops have discovered the body of a female just 500 yards from the home of a missing 14-year-old girl who vanished from the town centre.

Gwent Police made the tragic find in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina, Wales, on June 22 just after 10pm, and have now launched a murder probe.

The family of 14-year-old Lilly, who had been reported as missing to Gwent Police, have now been informed.

Lilly’s body was found in the park at 10.10pm on Monday night as police intensified their search.

The tragic find was made just 500 yards from her family home as the frantic three day search came to a devastating end.

Earlier a family friend posted online: “Please keep a look out for Lillly, last seen Sat 20th around 6.30 in Blaina, wearing black top, skirt and sandals. Very out of character, phone switched off.

“Anyone who knows anything just do the right thing please, it’s been long enough.

“Lilly your family will welcome you back with open arms, don’t be afraid to go home babes. Please get her home.”

Lilly’s distraught mother, nail technician Gemma Jones, put out a similar appeal saying she was hoping her daughter had gone to Cardiff.

The teenager was last seen in High Street, Blaina at around 6.50pm on Saturday.

Cops had described her as white, around 5ft 6 inches tall, with a medium build and long black hair.

The area in Duffryn Park was sealed off today and a police tent had been put up to preserve the crime scene.

One villager said: “It’s a huge shock, everyone is in a state of disbelief and worry.

“Blaina is a small town so people knew the girl was missing and there were searches going on. Now this. It’s a terrible thing.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas, said: “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.”