Leigh Park shows 'beautiful' solidarity with Louise Smith's family as her funeral takes place

EVEN in the darkest moments, the Leigh Park community will always be looking out for one another.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

That was made abundantly clear as the funeral for teenager Louise Smith took place today.

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Leigh Park to say their final goodbyes to the youngster, who was taken by horse and cart to The Oaks Crematorium in Havant.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Louise went missing on May 8, prompting a huge response from police and residents. Her body was found in Havant Thicket, 13 days later.

Hundreds of bikers in Middle Park Way, following the horsedrawn carriage carrying the coffin of 16-year-old Louise Smith. Picture: Habibur RahmanHundreds of bikers in Middle Park Way, following the horsedrawn carriage carrying the coffin of 16-year-old Louise Smith. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Hundreds of bikers in Middle Park Way, following the horsedrawn carriage carrying the coffin of 16-year-old Louise Smith. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Read More
Trial set for Louise Smith murder accused Shane Mays from Leigh Park as he appea...

For her funeral procession, purple ribbons were tied around lampposts and signs in the surrounding area, and mourners lined the streets – with many wearing purple themselves.

More than 500 bikers also showed up to take part in the procession, which ran from High Lawn Way to Middle Park Way, before going along Petersfield Road and towards the crematorium.

James ‘Sparky’ Sparks, 37, says he saw Louise just two days before she disappeared.

The funeral of Louise Smith took place on Friday, July 10, with a procession around Leigh Park and past Havant Academy. Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-5509)The funeral of Louise Smith took place on Friday, July 10, with a procession around Leigh Park and past Havant Academy. Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-5509)
The funeral of Louise Smith took place on Friday, July 10, with a procession around Leigh Park and past Havant Academy. Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-5509)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: ‘When I heard about what happened to her it was like someone had cut me open.

‘Everyone is absolutely heartbroken about it.’

With James was Stephanie Hollis, 23, and four-year-old Onyx.

Stephanie, who has known the family since she was a child, said: ‘Louise was so good with kids, and Onyx got to spend a lot of time with her.

Mourners broke into applause as the horsedrawn carriage came past. Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-5541)Mourners broke into applause as the horsedrawn carriage came past. Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-5541)
Mourners broke into applause as the horsedrawn carriage came past. Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-5541)

‘She was a very well-known girl in the community and even if she was battling her own demons, she would still make time for others.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘She didn’t deserve what happened to her – but it felt like she was looking down on us all today.’

Along the route were many people who knew Louise and her family.

They have vowed to always be there for them, no matter what, reinforcing the strong sense of community spirit in Leigh Park.

Victoria Adams, head of school at Havant Academy. Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-5598)Victoria Adams, head of school at Havant Academy. Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-5598)
Victoria Adams, head of school at Havant Academy. Picture: Sarah Standing (100720-5598)

Tania Relf, 60, used to live next door to one of Louise’s relatives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She was joined in Middle Park way by Chris Hallum, 66, and 60-year-old Lesley Marsh.

Tania said: ‘I remember what Louise was like as a little girl.

‘She was always cheeky and smiling, a really bubbly character.

‘When things like this happen you feel so helpless, so coming out and showing our support is the least we can do.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lesley added: ‘It was so overwhelming to see so many people.

Louise SmithLouise Smith
Louise Smith

‘It’s really important that we all look out for one another at times like this – the good things do outweigh the bad in Leigh Park, and we will always be looking out for them.’

As the horse and cart was followed through the streets by Louise’s family and the hundreds of bikers, mourners broke out into a respectful applause in a show of solidarity.

Outside Havant Academy, staff, students and parents all came out to say their goodbyes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With tributes laid outside the school, Havant Academy’s headteacher, Victoria Adams, gave a heartfelt tribute to Louise.

She said: 'Louise was a really valued and loved member of Havant Academy.

‘She took part in lots of extracurricular activities – she was a happy smiling young lady. Havant and Leigh Park will miss her very much.

‘The whole community is really saddened. As a school we have been rocked by what has happened.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Some people who lined the procession route had never even met Louise or her family – but were keen to show that they will stand with them through thick and thin.

Leigh Park mum Melissa Ellison didn't know Louise but felt compelled to come and pay her respects, after taking part in a number of search walks when she went missing.

She said: ‘My heart goes out to the family – no parent should have to feel that pain. I felt it was important to come down to show the family we are all thinking of them.

‘Being a mother myself it was very emotional seeing the funeral procession go by.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Another parent, 41-year-old Louise Copus, said: ‘Leigh Park always comes together in difficult times like this.

‘It's something that shocked everyone in the area.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.