Family 'heartbroken' after girl, 17, dies in alleged attack

multiple bouquets of flowers on the ground
Image caption,

Members of the community have started to leave tributes to Lainie

  • Published

A family say they are "heartbroken" after a 17-year-old girl died in an alleged attack in Caerphilly.

The teenager, who has been named as Lainie Williams by BBC sources, was pronounced dead at the scene in Cefn Fforest, near Blackwood, on Thursday morning.

A 38-year-old woman is being treated in hospital, and an 18-year-old man from Newbridge has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, Gwent Police said.

Armed police went to a property in Wheatley Place at about 07:15 GMT following reports two people had been seriously injured.

A police officer stands by the door of a home, with a forensic tent visible
Image caption,

Armed police went to a property in Wheatley Place at about 07:15 GMT on Thursday

More than £1,500 has been raised after a fundraiser was launched by Lainie's cousin Shania Price, who said: "We are heartbroken to share the sad passing of our beautiful Lainie Williams, whose life was tragically taken far too soon.

"As her family navigates this unimaginable loss, we are hoping to come together as a community to help ease the financial burden of giving Lainie the beautiful send-off she deserves."