Jenna: Police find human remains

British detectives investigating the disappearance of teenage schoolgirl Jenna Baldwin were today continuing the painstaking task of identifying human remains found in an area of undergrowth eight miles from her home.

Specialist liaison officers were continuing to support the 15-year-old’s family as they waited for news after an anonymous tip led police to an area near a main road between Abergavenny and Blaenavon.

The remains were discovered shortly before midnight by scene of crime officers and search teams which had scoured the area – known locally as Fiddlers Elbow – which today remained sealed off.

A forensic archaeologist and Home Office pathologist were also at the scene and although the body has yet to be identified, Jenna’s family had been informed of the development.

Chief inspector John Oliver, of Gwent Police, said: “Specialist liaison officers continue to support Jenna’s family at this difficult time.

“The past few weeks have been extremely traumatic for the entire family. Hopefully we will soon be in a position to draw to a close the events which have caused so much pain.”

Formal identification was not expected until later today at the earliest.

Jenna went missing from her home in Ffrwd Road, in Abersychan, near Pontypool, south Wales, nine weeks ago on September 10. She has not been seen since.

Gwent Police have carried out a methodical and widespread search for her for the last three weeks.

Detectives spoke of their growing concern for the Abersychan Comprehensive School pupil early after her disappearance.

An unknown man also contacted the teenager’s school not long after she went missing and claimed she was staying with a friend and would soon return.

In recent weeks police teams have been combing woodland and a quarry close to the teenager’s home as well as a waste tip.

A helicopter using thermal imaging equipment has also been used and sniffer dogs, specially trained to find human remains, have been brought in to help the inquiry.

Last week the police search focused on areas of water including the Afon Llwyd River and The Keeper’s Pond, at Blaenavon.

* Factory worker Mike Baldwin, 36, Jenna’s stepfather, was arrested and charged with her murder earlier this month. He remains in custody.