Murder probe after 14-year-old found dead in Blaina park

Police in South Wales have launched a murder investigation after the body of a 14-year-old girl was discovered in a park in Blaina on Monday night. Formal identification is pending, but authorities have informed the family of a missing teenager named Lilly.

The body was found in the Duffryn Park area at approximately 10:10 p.m. on Monday, June 22. The discovery followed an extensive search for Lilly, who was reported missing after she was last seen on High Street in Blaina around 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. At the time of her disappearance, she was described as wearing a long black dress and black sandals.

A substantial police and forensic presence remained at the scene on Tuesday, with a cordon in place at Pilgrims Park, which is near Duffryn Park. Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas, the senior investigating officer, acknowledged the community's distress and confirmed a large-scale investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of the death. He urged anyone with information to come forward and speak with officers.

Local Councillor Lisa Catherine Winnett said the community is devastated, describing the outcome as unimaginable. She expressed her condolences to...