Purple balloons added to Louise Smith tribute as detectives continue search

The 16-year-old’s body was found in dense woodland a mile and a half from her home on Thursday.

On Monday Hampshire police called in a fire dog team from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service as they hunted for evidence in the woodland.

Louise was last seen near her home on VE Day on May 8.

Speaking on Sunday, Detective Chief Superintendent Scott MacKechnie said a 'dedicated' team of 100 officers are 'really focused on identifying who is responsible'.

He urged the public to help them 'piece together the last moments of Louise's life' by coming forward with CCTV or sightings in Havant.

A new map released by police shows the area where Louise's body was found within the expanse of the Havant Thicket woodland site.

Over the bank holiday members of Louise's community have been laying flowers at the entrance to the Thicket, with more than 100 bouquets by its gate.

Sixteen purple balloons - believed to be Louise’s favourite colour - were also added to the tribute.

Many notes read 'RIP' while one said: ‘Your life was only just beginning, rest in peace beautiful girl. Fly high Louise.’ Another read: 'God bless you darling, fly high with the angels.’

Family friend Jackie Meredith laid a bouquet and described Louise as 'girly' and urged police to get to the bottom of the investigation.

Mrs Meredith said: ‘She was just your typical teenager, she was a bubbly and funny girl.

‘She was a bit girly like teenage girls are, I really can't express how lovely she was.

‘What has happened is disgusting, it's just so sad. I really hope the police find out what happened to her, whatever it was.’

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.