Southampton Lucy McHugh murder suspect charged with refusing to give password to police

A man who is the suspect in the murder of a 13-year-old girl in Southampton has been charged with failing to co-operate with police.Â
Lucy McHugh, the 13-year-old girl found dead in woodland in Southampton Picture: Hampshire Constabulary/PA WireLucy McHugh, the 13-year-old girl found dead in woodland in Southampton Picture: Hampshire Constabulary/PA Wire
Lucy McHugh, the 13-year-old girl found dead in woodland in Southampton Picture: Hampshire Constabulary/PA Wire

The 24-year-old man from Southampton, has been charged under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA). 

The charge relates to the failure to disclose access codes to an electronic device as requested by police under RIPA.

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He has been remanded in custody. He was due to appear at Southampton Magistrates court in connection with this offence today (July 31). 

Lucy McHugh, the 13-year-old girl found dead in woodland in Southampton Picture: Hampshire Constabulary/PA WireLucy McHugh, the 13-year-old girl found dead in woodland in Southampton Picture: Hampshire Constabulary/PA Wire
Lucy McHugh, the 13-year-old girl found dead in woodland in Southampton Picture: Hampshire Constabulary/PA Wire
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He had also been arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child following the death of 13-year-old Lucy McHugh, but has been bailed with the conditions not to enter the Southampton area. 

No other arrest has been made in connection with this investigation at this time.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for the public help as they investigate the circumstances of Lucy McHugh's death and piece together what happened. Lucy's body was found in woodland at the Sports Centre at 7.45am on Thursday, July 26. 

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It is known Lucy left her house in Mansel Road East at 9.30am on Wednesday, July 25 and did not return home that evening as expected. 

Detective Superintendent Paul Barton said: 'This investigation very much continues and we really need the help of the community to understand Lucy's activity in the 24 hours before her body was found.

'˜We know that this is causing a great deal of concern locally, please be assured we are doing all we possibly can to bring whoever is responsible for Lucy's death to justice.

'˜Speculation, particularly on social media, is not helpful and leads to further issues we need to manage. This detracts us from the murder investigation.

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'˜We will update the community with as much information as we can without compromising the investigation, we really appreciate your support in this.'

When Lucy left her house she was wearing a distinctive black jacket with white sleeves, the logo for the band Falling in Reverse on the front and RADKE 01 in red on the back. Anyone with information should contact us on 101 quoting 44180282545. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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