Horror as schoolgirl found dead inside home – murder inquiry launched

A murder investigation has been launched after a schoolgirl was found dead in her home, and her mother was left seriously injured. Tributes have been pouring in for Lainie Williams, 17, who has been described as “the loveliest, kindest person”. Her mother Rhian Stephens, 38, remains in hospital following the incident on Thursday morning.

Police were called to Cefn Fforest in South Wales after receiving a report of two attacks at a house in the area. Lainie was pronounced dead at the scene, and an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Gwent Police said: “Her family have been informed, and specially trained officers will be allocated to support them throughout the investigation.”

One local described Lainie as “the loveliest, kindest person who had a lot of friends”.

Another said: “It is terrible. That poor girl had everything to live for, and now she is gone. At least the mother survived but she will never get over what she witnessed.”

Rhian has also been called a “caring person who kept to herself”.

Residents said they were woken up by the police sirens and helicopters, and banging on doors at around 7.15am on Thursday. One man said: “It’s usually a very quiet area, you don’t expect something like this to happen on your doorstep.”

A Gwent Police spokesperson said: “Officers, including firearms officers as a precaution, attended a property in Wheatley Place at around 7.15am on Thursday 13 November after reports that two people had sustained serious injuries.

“Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Welsh Air Ambulance were in attendance.”

Detective Superintendent Philip O’Connell, the senior investigating officer, said: “We can confirm that we’re not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident after making this arrest earlier.

“We understand that reports of this nature can be concerning, and it is likely that residents will see an increased number of officers in the area while we carry out further enquires.

“If anyone has any information, please speak to our officers or contact us in the usual way.”