Recap updates as Louise Smith's funeral procession took place in Leigh Park

THE funeral of a schoolgirl is set to take place in Leigh Park today.
By Matthew Mohan-Hickson, David George and Neil Fatkin
Published 10th Jul 2020, 07:00 BST
Updated 11th Jul 2020, 11:57 BST
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Louise Smith was found dead in Havant Thicket on Thursday, May 21, nearly two weeks after she had gone missing.

The 16-year-old was last seen alive on Friday, May 8, at around midday in Somborne Drive, Leigh Park.

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Shane Mays, 29, of Somborne Drive, Leigh Park has been charged with murder in connection with Louise’s death and is due to stand trial on November 10.

Around 500 bikes arrived to take part in the procession. Picture: Habibur RahmanAround 500 bikes arrived to take part in the procession. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Around 500 bikes arrived to take part in the procession. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Her funeral is set to take place today and earlier this week her aunt said that her family is planning 'best send off' for the 'beautiful' teeanger.

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Louise Smith's aunt says family is planning 'best send off' for 'beautiful' 16-y...

A procession will take place in Leigh Park with bikers in the area being called upon to join in.

It will start at 9.30am, starting at High Lawn Way and will go along to Middle Park Way, then towards Petersfield Road and past Havant Academy, before finishing at The Oaks Crematorium.

Louise Smith's funeral is set to take place today. Pictures: Hampshire Constabulary/Solent NewsLouise Smith's funeral is set to take place today. Pictures: Hampshire Constabulary/Solent News
Louise Smith's funeral is set to take place today. Pictures: Hampshire Constabulary/Solent News

The funeral itself will be a family-only private ceremony.

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Louise’s aunt Hannah Welstead said: ‘She was a very lovely girl – quite well-known in the Leigh Park area, was alway smiling, it was her best feature.’

SEE ALSO: Family of Louise Smith pay tribute to 'smiley, generous' teenager

Spinnaker Tower is also set to light up purple today to mark her funeral.

We will be bringing you all the updates from the funeral procession in Leigh Park later this morning in our live blog below.

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