Family of Louise Smith pay tribute to 'smiley, generous' teenager

THE family of Louise Smith have paid tribute to their ‘smiley, generous’ girl.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The 16-year-old was last seen alive in Somborne Drive in Leigh Park at about midday on Friday, May 8.

Nearly two weeks after she went missing, her body was found in Havant Thicket on May 21.

The family have today paid tribute to Louise.

Louise Smith was last seen alive on May 8. Pictures: Hampshire Constabulary/Solent NewsLouise Smith was last seen alive on May 8. Pictures: Hampshire Constabulary/Solent News
Louise Smith was last seen alive on May 8. Pictures: Hampshire Constabulary/Solent News
Read More
Louise Smith: How the search for missing Leigh Park teenager turned into murder ...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a statement, they said: ‘Louise was a typical 16yr old girl, who enjoyed spending time with her friends.

‘She loved animals and being outdoors.

‘She will be remembered as a smiley, generous person who loved her family and was loved by all.’

They added: ‘Louise had beautiful blue eyes, a cheeky smile and was known for her kindness to others. She loved animals and had a sarcastic sense of humour.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shane Mays, 29, of Somborne Drive, Havant, has been charged with her murder and is due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday.

A 29-year-old woman, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with the investigation, has been released on bail, Hampshire police said.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.