Teenage boy charged with murder after body of 14-year-old girl found in Wolverhampton

Viktorija Sokolova's family say she was 'a little angel'

Home Affairs Correspondent

Monday 16 April 2018 09:20 EDT

14-year-old Viktorija Sokolova was found dead in park on Thursday (West Midlands Police)

A teenage boy charged with raping and murdering a 14-year-old girl has appeared in court.

Viktorija Sokolova was found dead in a park in Wolverhampton by a member of the public on Thursday, a day after she was reported missing.

The Lithuanian-born teenager had suffered blunt force trauma to the head, police said.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with rape and murder.

He spoke only to confirm his name, age and address at a five-minute hearing at Dudley Magistrates' Court.

The boy was remanded in secure youth detention ahead of a hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday.

A second boy, aged 17, was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed pending further investigation.

Viktorija's family described the teenager as "a little angel" who "she made our lives so colourful and full of meaning".

They added: "You will be living in our hearts, soul and mind forever. Goodbye our little angel."

West Park remains closed as forensic investigations continue.

Additional reporting by PA