Lucy McHugh murder: Detectives appeal for sightings of man riding dark mountain bike

The body of the 13-year-old was found in woodland at Southampton Sports Centre on July 26.

Officers have begun searching an area of Tanner's Brook close to Bindon Road and Warren Crescent as they look for the weapon used.

Today police appealed for sightings of a man riding a dark mountain bike from the sports centre along Coxford Road or near to the new search scene on Wednesday July 25. 

The man was described as wearing a dark jacket and blue jeans.

Detective Superintendent Paul Barton said: 'We have reason to believe that the murder weapon - a knife, scissors or other sharp implement - was discarded in this area and we are focusing our searches there.

'˜As part of our investigation, we are also looking to identify a man we believe cycled from the Sports Centre to this location that morning.

'˜We are hoping that this new information jogs someone's memory.

'˜If you saw this man, please get in touch and help us find Lucy's killer.'

The public have been asked not to come to the search area to help because of the nature of terrain.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting Operation Refund.

The charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Lucy's murder.

A 24-year-old man from Southampton arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child, and was subsequently technically bailed in relation to those offences, with conditions not to enter the Southampton area. Bail has now been extended by Superintendent's authority until October 27.

The same man was charged with an offence which relates to failing to disclose a password to his Facebook account to detectives investigating the murder. He was remanded in custody until August 31.