Detectives investigating her deadly stabbing today released CCTV footage of the man they “need to locate.”
It came when two people under investigation on Thursday were released without further action shortly after the murder at about 6:20 p.m. in Boston, Lincolnshire.
A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said: “As part of our rapid murder investigation, we now have CCTV footage of a man we need to locate. Any information, no matter how small, could be vital to our investigation.”
Chief Superintendent Martyn Parker said: “Our agents have been working around the clock on this investigation and the help of the public could prove crucial.
“These are very clear images of a man we would like to speak to, so I would like to ask anyone with information to contact us. If you see him, do not approach him but call 999 immediately.
“This is a very tragic case and I want to reassure the public that we have an enormous amount of resources devoted to the investigation.
“We continue to support Lilia’s family as they mourn this unimaginable loss.”
Lilia was stabbed to death in broad daylight during a knife attack in a quiet lane in front of her sister in an incident that has left the city in “deep shock”.
Police described it as an “isolated” incident with no threat to the general public.
A small tent was set up at the crime scene near the city’s historic St. Botolph’s Church, while forensic officers gathered vital evidence.
Lincolnshire Police Chief Supt Kate Anderson said: “Officers were called to the scene of the incident in Fountain Lane, Boston.”
“Lilia has sadly passed away. We follow extensive lines of research and have deployed a number of resources. You will see more officers patrolling the area and we have a large number of specialized detectives to support the investigation.”
“Lilia’s parents are supported by specially trained officers and I can only imagine the grief and pain they are going through. Their well-being and the well-being of those she knew is a priority for us.”
Much of the immediate area is commercial, with parking garages, a main street and several boarded-up shops. Heartbroken members of the community said it was the “most shocking tragedy to ever happen to the city”.
Taxi driver Jonathan Newton, 55, said: “We are a close-knit community and the city is rocking to the bone. She was just a little girl.”
Arthur Smith, 66, who knelt to pray on the spot, added: “A poor little angel has lost her life. I feel so sorry for her parents. When I was growing up, you could never imagine something like this happening.”
Mother of two Sara Stringer, 37, spoke about the increased police presence and added: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard that a little girl had been murdered. It’s disgusting.”
Lincolnshire Police Chief Supt Kate Anderson said: “Officers were called to the scene of the incident in Fountain Lane, Boston.”