Body found in south Wales believed to be missing 14-year-old girl

Police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a body in south Wales that is believed to be that of a missing 14-year-old girl. The body was found in Duffryn Park in the town of Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, at approximately 10:10pm on Monday, according to a police statement. Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the family of Lilly, a 14-year-old girl reported missing on Saturday, have been informed. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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." He added that officers are available to speak with the public and encouraged anyone with information to contact them.

Lilly was last seen on Saturday evening at approximately 6:50pm on Blaina's High Street. Gwent Police issued a media notice on Monday afternoon seeking help to locate her. According to Wales Online, two young people searching for her found the body.

Family members also made frantic social media appeals. Her aunt, Zoe Jones, wrote: "[She] went out at 6.30 and hasn't come home – very much out of character. Lilly please come home my girl, I promise you're not in any trouble … we just want you home."

Local councillor Lisa Catherine Winnett said the community was "devastated" by the news. She expressed sympathy for the family and hoped police would quickly find the perpetrator. She noted that extensive searches had been conducted by family, friends, and community members since Lilly went missing, and that police had used drones and helicopters on Monday.

On Tuesday, a police cordon and heavy presence remained in the area, with forensic investigators and emergency services working in Duffryn Park since Monday night.