LOCALS searching for a missing 14-year-old schoolgirl missed finding her body just 500 yards from her home after she was “hidden in dense undergrowth”.

Members of the search party said Lilly Jones’ body must have been covered by shrubs – as a 14-year-old boy is arrested on suspicion of murder.

The body of a female was yesterday found by cops hunting for Lilly, who disappeared “with her phone switched off” on Saturday.

Her body was found in the Duffryn Park area around 10.10pm on Monday night as police intensified their search.

The tragic find was made just 500 yards from her family home in Blaina, South Wales, as the frantic three day search came to a devastating end.

Volunteers who searched for the schoolgirl believe her killer tried to hide her body in the dense undergrowth next to a cycle path.

Lilly was found just 50 yards from the town’s bowls club, which had opened up to give refreshments to the search parties.

Mum-of-two Katy Bennett, 44, said: “I searched very close to that spot and didn’t see anything, she must have been covered up.

“There were about 60 of us out looking for her in that area on Monday night. The whole community rallied around to look for Lilly.

“I left the search at 9pm but there were still people arriving to help at that time. She was found at ten past ten.”

The small South Wales valley town, near Abertillery, was in shock yesterday when police revealed “quiet and gentle” Lilly had been murdered.

Today, cops confirmed a boy – also 14 – has been held on suspicion of murder.

Neighbour Wayne Edwards said: “The whole town is devastated, not just people who knew Lilly and her family but everyone.

“I used to see her out playing in the street but over the last few years she would be out with her friends.

“The search for her was huge, the helicopter was circling all day and drones were flying. It’s tragic that she was found so close.”

Gwent Police Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas urged the public to avoid speculation and added: “I’m asking anyone with information to please come and speak with us, you can do this in person, or you can contact us on the usual channels.”

The force added that the incident had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) “in line with normal procedures”.

The teen’s family and friends had been making desperate pleas for Lilly to come home as she had been missing for three days before her body was found.

They said her disappearance was “very out of character”, adding the devastating plea “please get her home”.

Earlier a family friend had posted online: “Please keep a look out for Lilly, last seen Sat 20th around 6.30 in Blaina, wearing black top, skirt and sandals. Very out of character, phone switched off.

“Anyone who knows anything just do the right thing please, it’s been long enough.

“Lilly your family will welcome you back with open arms, don’t be afraid to go home babes. Please get her home.”

Lilly’s distraught mother, nail technician Gemma Jones, put out a similar appeal saying she was hoping her daughter had gone to Cardiff.

The teenager was last seen in High Street, Blaina at around 6.50pm on Saturday.

Formal identification of the body has yet to take place, but Lilly’s family has been informed.

Specially trained officers continue to support her family.

Another search party member said: “They found her under trees just up from the bowls club. People had already looked there so she must have been hidden.”

Floral tributes were left close to the scene by members of the public.

Niamh Salkeld, a Plaid Cymru Senedd member for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, said: “I am deeply saddened by this tragic news.

“My thoughts are with Lilly’s family, friends and loved ones at what must be an unimaginably difficult time.

“This news will have shocked communities across Blaenau Gwent, particularly in Blaina and among those who knew Lilly personally.

“I know many people will be struggling to come to terms with what has happened.

“As Gwent Police continue their investigation, I would encourage anyone who may have information that could assist their inquiries to come forward and contact them.”

The teenage suspect, also from the Blaenau Gwent area, is currently in police custody.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas of Gwent Police, said: “We continue to have a significant police presence in the area and understand the concern amongst our communities at this time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and we currently have one person in police custody being questioned.”

He added: “I’d also encourage people not to speculate online as this is a live investigation and such comments can have an impact on our ability to bring anyone, found to have committed a criminal offence, to justice.”