Louise Smith: Man, 29, arrested on suspicion of murder over death of Leigh Park teen

DETECTIVES investigating the death of Louise Smith have arrested a man on suspicion of murder.
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The body of the 16-year-old from Leigh Park was found in Havant Thicket on May 21 after she was reported missing on Friday, May 8.

Her death was confirmed by Hampshire Constabulary on May 23 and a murder investigation was launched.

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Police have now arrested 29-year-old man on suspicion of murder, while a 29-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Tributes at Havant Thicket on Tuesday, May 26, where 16-year-old Louise Smith's body was found. Picture: Sarah Standing (260520-3453)Tributes at Havant Thicket on Tuesday, May 26, where 16-year-old Louise Smith's body was found. Picture: Sarah Standing (260520-3453)
Tributes at Havant Thicket on Tuesday, May 26, where 16-year-old Louise Smith's body was found. Picture: Sarah Standing (260520-3453)

The pair had previously been arrested on suspicion of kidnap on May 14 and had been released on bail.

They remain in custody at this time.

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Louise Smith: Police doing fingertip searches in Havant Thicket after murder of ...

Louise was reportedly living in a property at Ringwood House, in Somborne Drive, Leigh Park, and was last seen in the area in the street on VE Day.

Police at the scene of Havant Thicket on Tuesday, May 26, where 16-year-old Louise Smith's body was found. Picture: Sarah Standing (260520-3429)Police at the scene of Havant Thicket on Tuesday, May 26, where 16-year-old Louise Smith's body was found. Picture: Sarah Standing (260520-3429)
Police at the scene of Havant Thicket on Tuesday, May 26, where 16-year-old Louise Smith's body was found. Picture: Sarah Standing (260520-3429)

Officers were yesterday continuing to comb Havant Thicket, where her body had been discovered.

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Police have also been carrying out more door-to-door enquiries, as they hope to trace Louise’s final movements from the Somborne Drive and Greywell Road area, up to where her body was found in the thicket.

A cordon remains in place around Havant Thicket as officers conduct precise searches.

Detective Chief Superintendent Scott MacKechnie has urged that public support is key to the police’s investigation.

He said: ‘We have read the tributes that have been paid to Louise and we know just how much she meant to the community.

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‘I want to reassure you that we are doing all we can to find out who is responsible, to bring justice for her and for her family.

You will continue to see our presence at Havant Thicket in the coming days, as we carry out an extensive search of the area.

‘Officers will also be in Leigh Park, conducting house-to-house enquiries and seeking CCTV and dash cam footage.

‘This is a tragic case and if you have any information you believe could help us, no matter how small or insignificant you may believe it to be, then please do not hesitate to contact us.’

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Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 44200163113.

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