COPS were spotted searching the home of a 14-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder of schoolgirl Lilly Jones, confiscating a computer and kitchen knives.
The teen boy was arrested on Tuesday, only one day after Lilly’s body was found in South Wales.
Forensics were seen searching through the teen’s home, where they confiscated a computer and a number of kitchen knives Credit: Marc Giddings
Schoolgirl Lilly Jones was reported missing by her worried family before police discovered a body late on Monday night Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Lilly’s body was found near a bowls club in the former mining town of Blaina on Monday.
Locals said she was discovered hidden in the undergrowth just yards away from her home.
The 14-year-old schoolgirl had been reported missing on Saturday night sparking desperate appeals for her safe return from family and friends.
But the search took a tragic turn after her body was found at around 10.10pm on Monday night.
Tragic tributes have been left at the scene for the young girl Credit: Marc Giddings
Part of the mystery of what happened that night is that Lilly’s phone was turned off, something she would never have done.
Gwent Police are using the Blaina Bowls Club clubhouse as a base while they investigate the horrific murder.
Club chairman Matt Stuart-Douek, 39, said: “We had an away match on Saturday and when we got back a few of the members asked me to open the bar.
“We got back at about 7.15pm and we were open for about an hour and a half.
“I know that’s soon after Lilly went missing but nobody heard anything while we were there. There were no screams.”
Father-of-three Mr Stuart-Douek had helped with the search for Lilly up until she was discovered hidden under trees next to the clubhouse at 10.10pm on Monday night.
He added: “This has shaken the entire community and people are scared to let their children out to play.
“It’s sent a shock of fear right through the community. If someone is killed in an accident that’s bad enough but this takes a lot more to process.”
Lilly’s parents Carl and Gemma, a nail technician, are with a police family liaison officer and being comforted by family.
A friend of Carl’s said: “I went to see him last night, I don’t think it’s really hit home what’s happened. He’s going through waves of emotion and wanted a few of his close friends around him.
“But while I was there I heard someone say there were puncture wounds and I had to go out. I didn’t want to hear that.”
People from miles around turned up to lay flowers against a tree trunk at the entrance to Duffryn Park where Lilly was found dead by two people searching for her on Monday night.
Katherine Watkins, 37, and her five-year-old daughter Harper went to get a bouquet in nearby Abergavenny and the florist didn’t charge them when she was told it was for Lilly.
Harper’s stepdad, retired undertaker Kevin Brown, 61, of Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, said: “Harper had heard us talking about what happened to Lilly and she said she wanted to lay some flowers.
“This tragedy has touched people from far and wide. It’s an awful thing to happen.”
Pensioner Tracey Bennett wiped away tears as she laid flowers at the entrance to the park which is home of the Bowls Club and a local football team.
She said: “All my children were out looking for Lilly. We all thought she would be found alive.
“My son came home from work and said he wouldn’t be going back until she was found. It’s terrible to think about.”
St Peter’s Church in Blaina opened a book of condolences and invited people to light a candle in memory of Lilly.
She was a pupil at Blaina Comprehensive School, which was closed today due to the extreme temperatures.
Police were making house-to-house inquiries in Blaina asking for doorbell video footage to discover Lilly’s route into the park and if she was alone.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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