Louise Smith case: Woman, 29, re-arrested on suspicion of murder

POLICE investigating the murder of Havant teenager Louise Smith have re-arrested a woman on suspicion of murder.
By Richard Lemmer
Published 18th Jul 2020, 11:12 BST
Updated 18th Jul 2020, 11:23 BST
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The 29-year-old woman, who was initially arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday, July 17.

She has been bailed until July 31 while police enquiries continue.

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Louise Smith, 16, was reported missing on Friday, May 8, before her body was found in Havant Thicket two weeks later.

Police have made an arrest in the Louise Smith murder cases. Stock picture: Habibur Rahaman.Police have made an arrest in the Louise Smith murder cases. Stock picture: Habibur Rahaman.
Police have made an arrest in the Louise Smith murder cases. Stock picture: Habibur Rahaman.
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Officers previously charged Shane Lee Mays, a 29-year-old resident of Somborne Drive in Havant, on suspicion of murder.

On Wednesday, Mays appeared at Winchester Crown Court for a plea hearing where he denied murdering the Havant teeanger.

His trial is due to take place at Winchester Crown Court on November 10.

Hampshire Constabulary had issued this photo of 16-year-old Louise Smith to help with their investigation. Picture: Hampshire ConstabularyHampshire Constabulary had issued this photo of 16-year-old Louise Smith to help with their investigation. Picture: Hampshire Constabulary
Hampshire Constabulary had issued this photo of 16-year-old Louise Smith to help with their investigation. Picture: Hampshire Constabulary

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A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘We appreciate that this case has been very distressing for the local community, however we ask you not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding Louise’s death or this arrest, as this can have an impact on proceedings later down the line when evidence is presented to a jury.’

Hundreds of people turned out for Louise's funeral on Friday July 10.

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