Wellington man, 22, in court over murder of Georgia Williams

Jamie Reynolds, from Avondale Road, Wellington, spoke only to confirm his name.

Reynolds, who was a friend of Georgia, has been remanded in custody until a hearing on Tuesday at Stafford Crown Court.

An attempt to put restrictions on the reporting of Georgia Williams' identity was quashed.

Police have not yet confirmed whether a body found in the Nant-y-Garth pass, near Wrexham is that of Georgia, who went missing from her home on Sunday.

Reynolds, of Avondale Road, Wellington, Telford, was charged yesterday following the discovery of a female in woodland off the Nant-y-Garth pass.

Police say the body has not yet been formally identified, but early indications suggest that the discovery relates to the investigation into the disappearance of 17-year-old Georgia.

Georgia has not been seen since leaving her family home in Wellington on Sunday evening.

Reynolds was arrested in Glasgow on Wednesday on suspicion of kidnapping the teenager, before being rearrested on suspicion of her murder on Thursday.

Police said that on Thursday afternoon new evidence came to light which proved that she had died at an address in Wellington.

Speaking outside Wellington Police Station at about 5.45pm yesterday, Superintendent Nav Malik, from West Mercia Police, said: "I can confirm that within the last hour 22-year-old Jamie Reynolds from Wellington has been charged with the murder of Georgia Williams.

"During our inquiries, sadly, late yesterday afternoon new evidence came to light that proved Georgia was deceased and that she died at an address in Wellington. I can now confirm that the body of a female was found earlier this afternoon – at around 2pm – in woodland off the Nant-y-Garth pass near Wrexham.

"The body has not yet been formally identified, but early indications suggest that the discovery relates to our investigation into the disappearance of Georgia Williams.

"Georgia's family have been kept fully informed of all the recent developments and this has only added to the devastation they are feeling about this week's events.

"Although all investigations of this nature are extremely difficult, it is fair to say that this case has proved particularly challenging for all the officers and staff involved.

"We are totally committed to every investigation we launch but dealing with events that directly affect a colleague and fellow member of the policing family – especially one that many of us know so well – is unusual and has proved extremely tough and emotional for everyone."

Police have been investigating a sighting of a van, believed to have been driven by the suspect, which they say is "of potential significance".

The van was found in Glasgow on Sunday and has since been undergoing forensic tests.

Police are interested in the journey it made from Wellington to the Scottish city on Monday, particularly between the hours of 5pm and 10.30pm.

Superintendent Malik added: "Although there is much more work to do on this case, I would like to thank the whole investigative team for all their efforts up to this point, especially in what have been very trying circumstances.

"Finally, on behalf of the investigative team, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that came forward with information as a result of our appeals."

A memorial gathering to remember Georgia was due to take place at Haygate Park in Wellington at 5pm today, with Chinese lanterns being released in her memory around 9pm.

Friend Nicholas Borrett said: "All of her friends, as well as those close to her and members of the community who knew her will be in attendance.

"This tragic event has had a devastating effect on not just Wellington, but Telford as a whole. I'm sure Georgia would be proud of all that her friends have done for her."

Friends of the missing Air Cadet set up a group on Facebook called Help Us Find Georgia Williams to raise awareness for her disappearance. The group now has nearly 8,000 members from all over the country.

See also:

• Friends gather in Wellington to hold silent vigil for Georgia Williams

• Georgia Williams' father pays tribute to his 'great girl' at AFC Telford memorial

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