The body of 14-year-old Lilly Jones was found hidden in undergrowth just 50 yards from where dozens of volunteers had gathered to search for her, and only 500 yards from her family home, in a discovery that has left the small South Wales town of Blaina in a state of profound shock.
Lilly had been reported missing on Saturday after failing to return from a trip to the high street, with her phone switched off — something her family and friends described as deeply out of character. Around 60 residents joined the search on Monday evening, using the town’s bowls club as a base and refreshment point. Her body was found in the Duffryn Park area at around 10.10pm, shortly after many of the search party had gone home. Mum-of-two Katy Bennett, 44, who had been part of the search, said: “I searched very close to that spot and didn’t see anything, she must have been covered up. There were about 60 of us out looking for her in that area on Monday night. The whole community rallied around to look for Lilly. I left the search at 9pm but there were still people arriving to help at that time. She was found at ten past ten.”
Gwent Police confirmed yesterday that a 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Volunteers who participated in the search believe Lilly’s killer deliberately concealed her body in the dense undergrowth alongside a cycle path. The force has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in line with standard procedures.
Lilly’s mother, nail technician Gemma Jones, had put out a desperate appeal during the three-day search, expressing hope her daughter had travelled to Cardiff. A family friend posted online: “Please keep a look out for Lilly, 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.”
The town reacted with devastation when the news broke. Schools sent pupils home early, and girls were seen crying and embracing in the streets. Neighbour Wayne Edwards said: “The whole town is devastated, not just people who knew Lilly and her family but everyone. I used to see her out playing in the street but over the last few years she would be out with her friends. The search for her was huge, the helicopter was circling all day and drones were flying. It’s tragic that she was found so close.” Lilly was described by those who knew her as “quiet and gentle.”
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas of Gwent Police urged the public not to speculate online. “I’m asking anyone with information to please come and speak with us,” he said. “You can do this in person, or you can contact us on the usual channels. Such comments can have an impact on our ability to bring anyone, found to have committed a criminal offence, to justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101, quoting reference 2600197059, contact the force online, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
