Major update after ‘traumatic’ death of girl, 14, found in park as cause confirmed
Lilly Jones’ body was found in Duffryn Park, Blaina, on Monday, June 22, and a 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder – an inquest into her death has now been opened

(Image: Gwent Police)

A teenage girl whose body was discovered in woodland died from multiple stab wounds to her neck and chest, an inquest has revealed. The body of 14-year-old Lilly Jones was found in Duffryn Park, Blaina, on Monday, June 22.

A boy of the same age has been charged with her murder and remanded in custody following his court appearance, with a provisional trial date set for November 23. On Tuesday, June 30, Gwent Police confirmed that formal identification of the body at Duffryn Park had been completed.

At an inquest opening at Gwent Coroners’ Court in Newport on Monday, it was heard that Lilly was reported missing at 10.19pm on June 20 and her body was found in woodland near Blaina Bowls Club, at 10.07pm on June 22. She had sustained injuries to her chest and neck, reports Wales Online.

Floral tributes have been left near Duffryn Park in Blaina(Image: media Wales)

Senior coroner Caroline Saunders stated that emergency services were called but Lilly was declared dead at 10.45pm on June 22. She was identified through DNA and Ms Saunders expressed satisfaction with this method of identification.

A post mortem examination was conducted by Dr Richard Jones, who provided a provisional cause of death as multiple stab wounds to the neck and trunk.

Ms Saunders said: “As a result of that information and given Lilly Jones has died a traumatic death it falls to be investigated under the terms of an inquest and I formally open an inquest. The matter will be adjourned so further enquiries can be made.

“The inquest is paused due to an ongoing police and criminal investigation. Once that investigation has concluded it will return to the coroners’ service to determine whether an inquest needs to be resumed.”

A provisional inquest date was set for April 6, 2027.

Lilly Jones was found at a park in Blaina

Following Lilly’s formal identification, detective chief inspector Steven Thomas from Gwent Police 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 enquiries.”

Brynmawr Foundation School has established a memorial space for Lilly. The school paid tribute to her as someone recognised for her “kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality”.

The school has arranged a dedicated area where Lilly’s friends, fellow pupils, staff and community members can leave flowers in her memory. The tribute site is open to the public and can be found close to the visitors’ car park, according to the school.

This follows headteacher Gerard McNamara stating the school was “deeply saddened” to learn of Lilly’s death and expressing that their thoughts are with her family during this challenging period.

The community of Blaina has come together to pay tribute to Lilly Jones(Image: John Myers)

The complete tribute from the school 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.”

Almost £20,000 has been collected in Lilly Jones’s memory in the week since her body was discovered. The community in Blaina and beyond has come together to support the teenager’s family.

A jumble sale has taken place to help generate additional funds and local football teams have also arranged a football festival to be staged in Lilly’s honour later this month. You can contribute to the fundraiser here.

Anyone with CCTV footage or information that could assist the investigation, can speak to police officers in person, or contact the force on 101, quoting log reference 2600194414. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.