A Dudley man has appeared in court after the body of a teenage girl was found in Brierley Hill on Thursday.

Although formal identification is yet to take place, West Midlands Police have said the body is strongly believed to be that of Stourbridge 17-year-old Megan Bills.

Unemployed Ashley Foster, aged 24, appeared before Dudley magistrates today (Monday, May 8) accused of preventing the burial of Megan, without lawful excuse, sometime between April 16 and May 4 this year. 

Foster was remanded in custody and will next appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 5.

Police sealed off the flat, in Highgate Road, on Thursday morning following the discovery of Megan’s body. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by family liaison officers. A statement from the family said:

“We are devastated by the loss of our daughter whose life has so unnecessarily been cut short. We appreciate the support we have been given by our family, friends and the police.

“Whilst nothing can fill the huge gap in our family life that Megan's passing has left, we trust that in time we will have answers that will help us understand why this dreadful event has occurred.

“We would request that we are left alone to grieve at this emotional time. Rest in peace princess.”

Detective Inspector Caroline Corfield, from force CID, added:

“Our hearts go out to Megan’s family as they come to terms with this dreadful news and they have asked that they are given the privacy to do so.

“Our investigation is continuing as we work to establish the circumstances of Megan’s death so that we can provide her family with the answers they need. I would ask anyone with information about Megan’s last known movements to come forward.”

Any information can be given to West Midlands Police on 101, or passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.