Louise Smith: Police name man charged with murdering 16-year-old Leigh Park teenager

A MAN has been charged with murdering 16-year-old Louise Smith.
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Hampshire police said Shane Mays, 29, of Somborne Drive, Leigh Park, has been charged with murder and remanded into custody.

He is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

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A 29-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail.

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)

As reported, Louise went missing on VE Day, May 8, and had last been seen in Leigh Park at around midday.

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Her body was found at Havant Thicket on May 21 and police said she was formally identified two days later.

Announcing the charge, Hampshire police asked people on social media not to speculate.

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The force tweeted: ‘Please consider what you are posting online as this is a live investigation and can we please ask you not to speculate.’

Police carried out searches at Havant Thicket for several days before finding the girl’s body.

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