A 22-YEAR-old man has been ARRESTED for murder after a nine-year-old was stabbed to death while she played.
Lillia Valutyte was with her five-year-old sister outside a café where their mum was working when she was attacked with a knife on Thursday.
The schoolgirl was found dead in a quiet lane last night[/caption]
Cops confirmed a man, 22, was arrested in a nearby park at around 2.45pm today.
Lincolnshire Police Chief Superintendent Martyn Parker said: “Officers detained the man in the Boston Central Park area at around 2.45pm today.
“The arrest follows a combination of intelligence and information supplied by several members of the public.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their assistance as we continue our investigation.
“We are still encouraging anyone with information to contact us. You can do so via the Major Incident Portal.”
Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbing.
Cops earlier shared four CCTV images of a man who cops “want to speak to” in connection with the killing.
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Two men were last night in custody after armed police raided a house in Boston, Lincs. They have since been released with no further action.
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Lillia’s mum Lina was understood to have been working just 10ft away watching her girls from the window.
She was the first to rush to her daughter’s aid on the cobbled street, which is also home to legal and accountancy firms, beauticians and restaurants.
One local said: “Her mum had a business inside. She worked from a desk on her laptop and had been doing it for a couple of months.
“It’s only a quiet street so she would let them play outside.
“I think they had a hula-hoop and dolly’s pushchair. I’m sure she would have been inside.”
‘JUST A LITTLE GIRL’
Another local who knows the family extremely well, said: “It’s horrific. I spoke to Lillia at 4pm yesterday and she said, ‘Goodbye, see you tomorrow’.”
Another family friend told The Sun: “This is just a sick joke. She was so little. I was only cutting her hair days ago.
“There is no humanity left in this place — none. For someone to do this is inhuman.”
Just days earlier, the girls had baked their dad, Aurejlius, a cake for his birthday and put a picture on social media.
It’s the most shocking tragedy to ever befall our little town. I’m just speechless
Jonathan Newton
Detectives yesterday said they had arrested two men in connection with the attack, which took place at 6.20pm on Thursday in Fountain Lane.
They refused to reveal what offences the suspects were being quizzed about.
A force spokesman added yesterday: “We believe this to be an isolated incident.
“We are pursuing extensive lines of inquiry and have committed a number of resources to this investigation.
“You will see more officers patrolling the area and we have a high number of specialist detectives who have been brought in to assist.”
Paul Skinner, the leader of Boston council, said: “The town is united in mourning following the very sad and tragic death of a nine-year-old girl.
Lincolnshire Police Chief Superintendent Martyn Parker urged Brits to call 999 if they see the suspect[/caption]
Lillia suffered a stab wound. A murder probe has been launched[/caption]
She had been playing with her little sister before the horrific attack, it’s reported[/caption]
“We can’t for one second imagine the pain the family and the young girl’s friends are going through and our heartfelt condolences go out to them.”
Mr Skinner said that as a mark of respect, the council will fly a flag at half-mast.
Heartbroken locals have told of their horror at the “most shocking tragedy to ever befall the town”. Many have visited the scene to leave flowers.
A note attached to a bouquet of pink roses reads: “So sorry this cruel world has taken your life beautiful girl.
“May you be in the arms of the angels.”
Taxi driver Jonathan Newton, 55, said: “We are a close-knit community here and the town is rocked to the core by this tragedy.
“She was just a little girl. How could anyone do this to a nine-year-old?
“It’s the most shocking tragedy to ever befall our little town. I’m just speechless.”
Lillia’s former school has also paid tribute. Staff at Holy Trinity Pre-School said the community is “shocked and sorry” to hear the “devastating news”.
Lillia’s family are being supported by specially-trained officers tonight.
In 2016, Boston was the murder capital of England and Wales, according to Home Office data recording crimes per 100,000 people.
The market town had the highest number of murders and attempted murders.
Roberts Buncis, 12, was stabbed to death in Boston two years ago.
STABBED AS SHE PLAYED
This morning, his dad Edgars emotionally addressed Lillia’s parents and siblings.
“Dear family, you will go through the hell. Be strong, take any help you can get,” he said.
“My son was stabbed to death on December 12 2020, and I still live with that and think it never will end. It’s so sad.
“Where are we going, what is wrong with this world, what is wrong with Boston… I would tell you thousands of words but don’t know what to say… be strong, love those who you have.”
Matt Warman MP, for Boston and Skegness, said his thoughts were with the young girl’s family.
He said: “Profoundly shocking news in Boston. My thoughts are with the family of the girl involved.
“I have spoken to senior officers locally and am hugely grateful for all the emergency services’ work.”
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Anyone with information or who has seen the man in the CCTV is urged to call 101, quoting incident 419 of July 28.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson gives a statement at the scene[/caption]
A pink soft toy was left among tributes by the police cordon this morning[/caption]
Forensics officers were seen working at the scene today[/caption]
Heartbroken locals have left flowers and notes of condolence[/caption]
Cops say the area will remain so for the foreseeable future[/caption]
Aerial view of the police cordon (right) on Fountain Lane[/caption]
