GIRL, 14, DIED FROM MULTIPLE STAB WOUNDS, INQUEST HEARS

Lilly Jones, aged 14, died from multiple stab wounds to the neck and torso, an inquest at Gwent Coroner's Court has heard. She was reported missing from her home in Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, on 20 June and discovered in Duffryn Park woodlands two days later. Emergency services attended the woodlands, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named, has been charged with her murder and appeared in court last week.

Senior Gwent Coroner Caroline Saunders determined that an inquest was appropriate given the traumatic circumstances of the teenager's death. The inquest has been adjourned to allow the ongoing police investigation to continue. A provisional inquest date has been set for 6 April next year. A further court hearing for the charged 14-year-old is scheduled for later this month, with his trial date set for November this year.

The youth has not entered a plea to the murder charge and remains in custody pending his next court appearance. No trial outcome has yet been determined. The case continues to be subject to active legal proceedings.