The prime suspect in the murder of 13-year-old Milly Dowler is to be charged with her kidnap and murder, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said today.

Former bouncer Levi Bellfield, 41, faces three charges - Milly's kidnap and murder, and the attempted kidnap of Rachel Cowles the previous day.

Bellfield will appear at Staines Magistrates' Court on April 13.

Nigel Pilkington, CPS reviewing solicitor, has met with Milly's parents, Sally and Bob Dowler, to explain his decision.

A statement released on Tuesday, on behalf of Milly's parents, said: "It’s very hard to say how we feel after eight long and difficult years.

"We are extremely grateful to Detective Superintendent Maria Woodall and her investigating team for their painstaking work and support to us over the years.

"We are pleased that Levi Bellfield has been charged with abduction and murder and hope this will go some way towards providing justice for our darling Milly.

A spokeswoman for Surrey Police said: "The investigation into the abduction and murder of Milly Dowler has been long and complex, spanning the last eight years.

"We welcome the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service today.

"Milly’s family have been kept fully informed of all the developments.

"Our thoughts remain with Milly’s family."

Milly vanished while walking home from school in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, on March 21, 2002.

Six months later her remains were found 30 miles away by mushroom pickers in Yateley Heath, Hampshire.

Officials at the CPS complex casework unit began considering the large dossier of police evidence against Bellfield, who is originally from Hounslow, last August.