Police confirm body is missing teenager

Dental records hold the key to identifying the remains

A body discovered by police on a mountainside has been identified as the remains of missing 15-year-old schoolgirl Jenna Baldwin.

A post mortem examination was held following the discovery of remains in a shallow grave on a stretch of mountain road between Blaenavon and Abergavenny in south Wales.

The teenager disappeared 10 weeks ago

The police inquiry team made formal identification of the body through the use of dental records.

On Tuesday, officers said a ring found in the grave had been identified as belonging to the 15-year-old.

Jenna's body was formally identified on Wednesday after tests by a Home Office pathologist.

Jenna's mother, Desiree, and her family, from Abersychan near Pontypool, are being helped by trained police counselling officers.

Mrs Baldwin was accompanied by police on a visit to the wooded area where her daughter's body was found.

A team of police officers at the scene stopped working to pay tribute to Jenna.

Counselling

Chief Inspector John Oliver of Gwent Police said: "We felt it was important for Jenna's mother to have the opportunity to visit the area. She spent a moment there in private. Everything came to a halt as a mark of respect."

He added: "The events of this week have brought to a close the endless wait for Desiree Baldwin, her family and friends.

"Even though this is a tragic conclusion, Desiree's mind is now at rest and she is able to grieve for her daughter."

Specialist help is also being offered to Jenna's friends at the local comprehensive school.

Senior crime officers, forensic archaeologists and search teams focused their search on the wooded area of Blaenavon Mountain after fresh information was given to them on Monday afternoon.

Following the discovery, chief inspector John Oliver, of Gwent Police, said: "Specialist liaison officers continue to support Jenna's family at this difficult time.

Charged: Jenna's stepfather Mike Baldwin

"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."

Police closed a half-mile stretch of the B4246 road between Abergavenny and Blaenavon while the fresh search was carried out.

Jenna's stepfather Mike Baldwin, 36, is in custody charged with her murder.

The teenager went missing from her home on 10 September.

Detectives had previously concentrated their search on woodland and a disused quarry in the Abersychan area using specially trained dogs.

Teams from other police force areas have been drafted in to help.

A helicopter using thermal imaging equipment was used and sniffer dogs, specially trained to find human remains, were brought in.

Last week, police frogmen searched focused areas of water including the Afon Llwyd River and The Keeper's Pond at Blaenavon.

Detectives also appealed for information about a Bulldog brand shovel which they believed could be a vital clue in tracking down Jenna's body.