Detectives are on their way to visit the family of murdered Walton schoolgirl Milly Dowler this morning to tell them Levi Bellfield has been charged with her murder.

He will also be charged with attempting to kidnap another girl the day before Milly Dowler's disappearance.

Milly, 13, vanished while walking home from Heathside School on March 21, 2002.

Her body was found six months later by mushroom pickers in Yateley Heath, Hampshire.

Announcing the decision this morning, Nigel Pilkington, head of the South East complex casework unit of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Last September I received a file of evidence from Surrey Police relating to the abduction and murder of Milly Dowler in March 2002 and also in relation to other offences allegedly committed by the suspect, Levi Bellfield.

"During my review of the file I asked the police to conduct further investigations in relation to specific matters, which I considered would have an important bearing on my decision in this complex case.

"Those investigations were completed in February of this year.

"After carefully reviewing all the evidence in this ase, I have now reached the decision that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to charge Levi Bellfield with three offences."

He said Bellfield would face charges of kidnapping Milly Dowler and murdering her.

Bellfield will also face a charge of attempting to kidnap Rachel Cowles on March 20, 2002.

Mr Pilkington said: "Milly Dowler’s family have been informed of that decision this morning and I will be meeting with them shortly to explain my decision to them personally.

"Whilst the considerable media interest in this case is known and is understood, I would remind all concerned that Levi Bellfield now stands charged with criminal offences and that he has a right to a fair trial.

"It is very important that nothing should be reported that could prejudice his trial."

Detective Chief Inspector Maria Woodall, from Surrey Police, said she welcomed the decision by the CPS to charge Bellfield.

She said her thoughts were with the Dowlers at what "continues to be a very tough and traumatic time".