Body found in park identified as missing teenager Lilly Jones

Body found in park identified as missing teenager Lilly Jones A 14-year-old boy appeared in Cardiff Crown Court yesterday accused of the murder of 14-year-old Lilly Jones - he did not enter a plea in response to the murder charge and has been remanded in custody A body found in a park in Wales has been confirmed as that of missing 14-year-old Lilly Jones, police have said. A boy, also aged 14, appeared in Cardiff Crown Court yesterday accused of her murder. He cannot be named for legal reasons. Lilly had been missing from Blaina in Blaenau Gwent on Saturday since June 20. Police said a body had been found last Monday, June 22, in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina. Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas said: “Our thoughts remain with Lilly’s family and friends at this difficult time. Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers. “I want to reiterate that it is vital that people consider how their language, especially comments made online, could affect our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice. “The defendant cannot be named for legal reasons and should not be done so by anyone else on social media platforms. “We still have officers in the area and I’d like to thank the local community for the continued support they have shown us in the last week as we have been undertaking inquiries.” A trial due to last four weeks was set for November 23 by Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, on Monday. The teenage boy has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance. He did not enter a plea in response to the murder charge. The youth, from the Blaenau Gwent area of south-east Wales, was previously described by police as white British. Lilly was last seen on Blaina High Street at around 6.50pm on June 20. Parts of Pilgrims Park, which is adjacent to the A467 in Blaina, were cordoned off after her body was discovered. She was a student at Brynmawr Foundation School. Head teacher Gerard McNamara previously said in a statement: “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.” Gwent Police said they have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in line with normal procedures. Last week 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.”