Man arrested on suspicion of murder of tragic nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte after CCTV appeal

POLICE have arrested a man on suspicion of the murder of nine-year-old Lillia Valutyt who was stabbed to death as she played in the street.

Lincolnshire Police said officers detained a 22-year-old in the Boston Central Park area at about 2.45pm yesterday.

It followed the release by the force of CCTV images of a man seen in the area shortly before the attack who they sought to identify, and several members of the public came forward with information.Little Lillia, described as “kind” and “funny” by her heartbroken pals, died from a single knife wound on Thursday in a quiet lane in the historic market town. She is understood to have been targeted while playing with her five-year-old sister outside their mum Lina Savicke’s workplace in Fountain Lane. The girls had a hula-hoop, and a toy pram was left at the scene, according to shocked witnesses.The man is being held in custody, and while police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, officers will continue investigations in the town. Chief Superintendent Martyn Parker thanked members of the public who had aided the inquiry, and urged anyone else with information to contact police. He said: “We are still encouraging anyone with information to contact us and you can do so via the major incident portal, of which the details are on our website. “Once again, I would like to personally thank you for the support you have shown from members of the public and from the media. “Your support is very much appreciated.” The CCTV released earlier on Saturday showed a man in the Wormgate and Fountain Lane area of Boston at 6.15pm on Thursday – five minutes before Lillia was found dead. The force had warned anyone who had seen him not to approach him but to dial 999 immediately. Lincolnshire Police also said that two people who were arrested earlier this week have now been released with no further action. They said that a person caught on video being led out of an address by officers on Friday is not a suspect, nor are they under investigation, after footage circulated online. The force added that anyone with relevant dashcam, CCTV or phone footage of the area on Thursday evening should come forward. Mr Parker added: “This is a particularly tragic case and I’d like to reassure the public that we have a huge amount of resources dedicated to this investigation. “We continue to provide support to the family of Lillia as they grieve following this unimaginable loss.” After police lifted the cordon several bouquets and candles were placed on the pavement where Lillia died. Shocked locals continue to lay tributes, including Harry Potter scarves and memorabilia. School pal Tia Mills wrote: “You were taken far too soon. I’ll never forget our silly chats. You were the bestest friend. “Hopefully you are now with the angels in a better place. You are probably watching Harry Potter. “Thanks for being an amazing friend.” Tia, nine, placing a card, said: “She was so nice and we laughed together. She was funny and kind and she liked Harry Potter.” Her mum , echoing the sentiments of others, added: “It is devastating beyond words. She was a lovely girl. They are a lovely family.”Jurate Matulioniene, a family friend and chairwoman of the Boston Lithuanian Community, described Lillia as “a beautiful angel”. She said: “Lillia was a beautiful angel, she was quite quiet and loved dancing.

“The family used to come to all of our community events and they would always stay late to help clear up.”

A resident from the area said: “The little girl was playing in the street with her younger sister when it happened. They had some toys out.

“I’m sure her mum wouldn’t have been far away as she always checked on them. She was a very quiet girl, and I just can’t understand it.”