Lainie Williams, 17, was found dead in her bedroom after an intruder broke into the family’s home in South Wales – she was described as ‘brave and beautiful’ by her family
A 17-year-old schoolgirl, tragically killed while trying to fend off a knife-wielding intruder at her family’s home, reportedly told her brother to hide under the bed in a desperate bid to protect him.
The brave teenager, described by her family as “brave and beautiful”, was discovered dead in her bedroom after the intruder broke into their Cefn Fforest home, near Blackwood in South Wales around 7.15am. Police were alerted and rushed to the scene, where they found Lainie with multiple stab wounds.
Her heartbroken grandfather revealed that Lainie instructed her eight-year-old brother, who witnessed the horrifying attack, to take cover under the bed. Lainie attempted to fight off the assailant, who also stabbed her mum, Rhian Stephens, 38.
Lainie’s grandfather, Robert Stephens, claimed the attacker “lunged at Lainie with the knife and her mother heard screams”. Neighbours were roused by the sounds of sirens, helicopters and banging on doors.
An 18-year-old from Newbridge has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and is currently in police custody. One local described the teen as “the loveliest, kindest person who had a lot of friends.”, reports the Mirror.
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.”
Lainie’s cousin Megan paid tribute to her saying: “There’s not enough words, rest peacefully our brave and beautiful cousin Lainie. Very fond childhood memories I’ll cherish forever. You were and still are so loved.”
Scores of relatives and friends have changed their social media profiles to honour the teenager, with many displaying a pink heart emblazoned with ‘Lainie Williams, forever 17’ or ‘Justice for Lainie’.
Another loved one penned: “No words. Rest in peace beautiful girl, I will cherish our memories as kids forever. Sending so much [love] to my family.”
Mother-of-two Rhian is understood to have resided in the semi-detached property where the shocking incident occurred for no less than five years.
Local residents portrayed her as a “caring person but who kept herself to herself”.
Gwent Police confirmed that officers, including armed police “as a precaution” rushed to the address at approximately 7.15am yesterday following reports that two individuals had suffered severe injuries.
Emergency crews from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Welsh Air Ambulance also responded.
Cefn Fforest councillor, Cllr Shane Williams, said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have unfolded, and I understand that the police are not looking for anyone else in connection. But as councillors, we’d like to do our best to reassure everyone, and our thoughts are with the family at this time.
“We are all hoping for a full recovery for the woman who was hospitalised. Something like this is highly unusual in this area, and I can understand if many residents are now frightened. When a young girl loses her life like that, it’s quite horrendous.”
Detective superintendent Philip O’Connell, the senior investigating officer, added: “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 inquires.
“If anyone has any information please speak to our officers or contact us in the usual way.”
Anyone with information can contact Gwent Police by calling 101, sending a direct message on social media, or via the form on their website and quoting log reference 2500361653.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or by phone.