Tributes have poured in for 14-year-old Lilly Jones who was reported missing from Blaina in Blaenau Gwent on Saturday – a body was discovered as part of the search for the teenager on Monday
Lilly, 14, was found dead this week(Image: media Wales)
A school has paid tribute to 14-year-old Lilly Jones who is at the centre of a murder investigation after a body was found on Monday.
Lilly was known for “kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality” Brymawr Foundation School in Wales said in a heartfelt tribute to the teenager today.
Lilly was reported missing from Blaina in Blaenau Gwent on Saturday. On Monday a body was found near Duffryn Park as part of the search for the teenager, Wales Online reports.
Formal identification is yet to take place but Gwent Police said Lilly’s family have been informed. A spokesperson for the force said a 14-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.
The head teacher of Brynmawr Foundation School, where Lilly was a pupil, said her loss will be felt “profoundly” by all those who knew her. She was described as a “valued member of the school community”.
The school was “deeply saddened” to hear about Lilly’s death and said their thoughts are with her family at this difficult time, Gerard McNamara said.
Brynmawr is closed today due to the severe weather warnings but support continues to be available for any pupils who are affected. The full tribute read: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of one of our pupils, Lilly Jones.
“She was a valued member of our school community, known for her kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality. Her loss will be felt profoundly by students, staff, and all who knew her.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The school is providing support to pupils and staff who have been affected and we are working closely with relevant agencies to ensure that help is available to anyone who needs it.”
Residents in the small town of Blaina have been left in shock. Flowers and tributes have been left near Duffryn Park, describing the teenager as “a beautiful girl” who was an “amazing friend”.
Brynmawr Foundation School also left flowers near the police cordon on Wednesday which said: “Always in our hearts”.
Reverend Liane Chalmers of St Peter’s Church, Blaina, said the church had opened its doors for “anyone in the community to light a candle for Lilly, write in a book of condolence, or speak with the clergy”.
There was a steady stream of people attending the church on Wednesday where members of the community were being comforted with tea, squash, and biscuits. Dozens of tealights had already been lit next to a black and white photo of Lilly.
A fundraiser set up to help pay for Lilly’s funeral and memorial has raised more than £12,000. The organiser said: “Let’s pull together again to raise enough money to give this beautiful angel the send off she deserves.” You can click here to donate.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas said officers were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the young girl’s death. “We continue to have a significant police presence in the area and understand the concern amongst our communities at this time,” he said.
“Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and we currently have one person in police custody being questioned.
“I’m asking anyone with information to please come and speak with us. You can do this in person or you can contact us on the usual channels.
“I’d also encourage people not to speculate online as this is a live investigation and such comments can have an impact on our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice.”
Gwent Police said they have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in line with normal procedures.
An IOPC spokesman said: “We can confirm we have received a mandatory referral from Gwent Police in connection with this matter. The referral is now being assessed to see if the IOPC needs to be involved any further.”
