Louise Smith: Murder investigation launched after body of Havant teen found

INFORMATION from members of the public could be the crucial key in learning how a Havant teenager was killed.
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Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of Louise Smith, from Leigh Park, was discovered in Havant Thicket.

The 16-year-old went missing on Friday, May 8, having been last seen in Somborne Drive near the shopping precinct.

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The body's identity was confirmed on the evening of May 23. Her family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Louise Smith was last seen alive on May 8. Picture: Hampshire ConstabularyLouise Smith was last seen alive on May 8. Picture: Hampshire Constabulary
Louise Smith was last seen alive on May 8. Picture: Hampshire Constabulary

Detective Chief Superintendent Scott MacKechnie said a huge search party had been looking for the teenager - and every available officer will be doing their bit to unravel the mystery of Louse's murder.

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Police confirm body found in Havant Thicket is missing Louise Smith

He said: 'This has been a large investigation for the constabulary.

'We've had help from Search and Rescue teams and have around 100 officers working on this full-time.

CCTV image of Louise Smith entering a Tesco Metro on Greywell Road shortly before 7.30pm on Thursday May 7. Picture: Hampshire ConstabularyCCTV image of Louise Smith entering a Tesco Metro on Greywell Road shortly before 7.30pm on Thursday May 7. Picture: Hampshire Constabulary
CCTV image of Louise Smith entering a Tesco Metro on Greywell Road shortly before 7.30pm on Thursday May 7. Picture: Hampshire Constabulary
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'This is now a murder investigation and our aim is to identify who is responsible for taking this young girl's life.'

Police are currently looking at two main sites; a flat in Ringwood House where they believe she was staying, and the scene in the thicket where her body was found.

A property at Ringwood House was searched by officers on Friday, May 22.

The key, says Det Chief Supt MacKechnie, is discovering how Louise got from Ringwood House to Havant Thicket - and for that, information from the public is crucial.

Police have been focusing on Havant Thicket, where the body was found. Picture: Jordan Pettitt/Solent News & Photo AgencyPolice have been focusing on Havant Thicket, where the body was found. Picture: Jordan Pettitt/Solent News & Photo Agency
Police have been focusing on Havant Thicket, where the body was found. Picture: Jordan Pettitt/Solent News & Photo Agency
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From garden party selfies to dashcam footage, jogging routes on Strava and CCTV footage, everything will help police in their investigation.

Det Chief Supt MacKechnie said: 'With May 8 being VE Day, people may have been having garden parties, or driving through that area to go to the shops.

'In particular we know that the thicket area is popular with dog walkers and runners. I want to focus on the community's help as we try and piece together Louise's movements.'

Louise went to the Tesco Metro in Greywell Road shortly before 7.30pm on Thursday, May 7, and was reportedly seen the following day as well.

Louise was last seen in Somborne Drive and her body was found in Havant Thicket.Louise was last seen in Somborne Drive and her body was found in Havant Thicket.
Louise was last seen in Somborne Drive and her body was found in Havant Thicket.
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To help police with their investigation, Det Chief Supt MacKechnie is urging people not to speculate on social media, but instead contact police if they have information or evidence.

He said: 'We know it's a distressing time for the community but please don't speculate. Instead, help us to piece together this puzzle.

'We accept that there's going to be things said on social media; what we have to do is work on the facts and the evidence we have. Sometimes this speculation can hinder our investigation.

'But we want the public to think about that day, and whether they saw Louise or someone matching her description.'

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Two 29-year-olds were arrested by police on May 15 on suspicion of kidnap. They have been bailed until June 11.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting the crime reference number 44200163113.

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