Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower to light up purple for teenager Louise Smith

On July 10, the Portsmouth landmark will light up purple on the day of Louise Smith’s funeral.

Louise, 16, disappeared on May 8, sparking a major police search across the area.

Her body was found at Havant Thicket on May 21.

Bikers are being called upon to ride along the route of Louise’s funeral procession, starting in High Lawn Way, Leigh Park, at 9.30am on Friday.

Shane Mays, 29, of Somborne Drive, Leigh Park, will provisionally stand trial for her murder on November 10.

Her funeral is strictly for family members only, but members of the public will also have the opportunity to pay their respects to the murdered teen.

The procession will go from High Lawn Way along to Middle Park Way, then towards Petersfield Road and past Havant Academy.

Louise’s family has asked people to stand there if they wish to pay their respects, while respecting social distancing guidelines.

In recent weeks the Spinnaker Tower has been lit up blue at night as a thank you to NHS staff and key workers.

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