Murder investigation after 14-year-old girl reported missing

News imageGwent Police A teenage girl with long dark hair with small braids in. She is sat in a busy outdoor restaurant and is smiling and looking at the camera.Gwent Police
Lilly, 14, was last seen on the High Street in Blaina on Saturday evening

A murder investigation has been launched after a body was found following the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl.

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

Gwent Police said formal identification was yet to take place but the family of Lilly, who had been reported missing, had been informed.

The force added there was a continued police presence in the area and it urged anyone with information to get in touch.

Det Ch Insp Steven Thomas, senior investigating officer, 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."

News imageA police car and a police officer cordoned off a part of a park.
A body has been found near a field close to a junction with the A467 in Blaina, Blaenau Gwent

Jordan Davies from the scene

There's a heavy police presence in and around Dyffryn Park.

About 100m into the park from the police cordon you can make out the top of a blue police tent, which may provide the focus of this investigation.

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