Lithuanian charged with ‘heartbreaking’ murder of nine-year-old Lilia

A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with the murder of nine-year-old Lilia Valutye.

Lilia was attacked as she played hula-hoop with her five-year-old sister, close to a café where her mother, Lina Savicke, 35, was working on her laptop.

Yesterday, Deividas Skebas, a Lithuanian, was charged with her murder.

Reports that emerged in the immediate aftermath of the killing suggested a man was seen fleeing the area shortly after Lilia was attacked.

Two people were arrested a few hours after her death and later released with no further action, though police would not reveal either their sex or their ages.

In a statement, a Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: “Lilia tragically died following an incident in Fountain Lane, Boston, at around 6.20pm on July 28. She is believed to have suffered a stab wound.

“Her parents are being supported by specially trained officers, and we would urge for their privacy to be respected at this particularly difficult time.

“Their welfare continues to be a priority for us.”

Chief Supt Martyn Parker added: “This is a heartbreaking case that has affected many people in Boston, and further afield ... the response to such a devastating incident has involved committing significant resources to the investigation, and engaging with people in Boston who are understandably shocked by Lilia’s death.

“We’ll continue to maintain a significant presence over the coming days.”

Mr Skebas was due to appear at Lincoln magistrates’ court today.