Boy in court accused of schoolgirl's murder

A 15-year-old boy will appear in court in Britain today charged with the murder of schoolgirl Rebecca Aylward.

Rebecca, 15, was found dead with head injuries on Sunday in woodland at Aberkenfig, Bridgend, south Wales.

Another boy the same age who was arrested over her death was released without charge yesterday, South Wales Police said.

The teenage suspect will appear before Bridgend magistrates.

Rebecca was reported missing by her mother, Sonia Oatley, when she failed to return home to Maesteg on Saturday evening.

She was dropped off to visit a friend at about 12.30pm earlier that day in Sarn Hill, Sarn.

Her body was found at a spot said to be a regular haunt for youngsters on the outskirts of the village of Aberkenfig about 9am on Sunday.

The two teenage boys were arrested after the discovery and detectives were granted an extra 36 hours to question them on suspicion of murder before charging one and releasing the other.

In a statement, Rebecca’s family said her younger brother and sister were devastated by her death.