Louise Smith: Man and woman re-arrested in connection with murder after missing teenager’s body found in woodland

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Two people have been re-arrested in connection with the murder of Louise Smith, 16, whose body was found in woodland after she disappeared in Havant, Hampshire, on VE Day.

A 29-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were first arrested on 15 May for questioning over the teenager’s disappearance but were released on bail.

Hampshire Police said the man has now been arrested on suspicion of murder, while the woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They currently remain in police custody.

Smith was last seen on 8 May in Somborne Drive in the Leigh Park area of Havant around midday, and was reported missing the same day.

Her body was found in nearby woodland in Havant Thicket on 21 May.

Officers continuing investigations into her death carried out meticulous fingertip searches on Tuesday in the area Smith’s body was found in, which remains cordoned off.

Detective Chief Superintendent Scott Mackechnie said: “You will continue to see our presence at Havant Thicket in the coming days, as we carry out an extensive search of the area.

“Officers will also be in Leigh Park, conducting house-to-house enquiries and seeking CCTV and dash cam footage.”

“This is a tragic case and if you have any information you believe could help us, no matter how small or insignificant you may believe it to be, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

“I want to ask you to cast your mind back and focus on the afternoon of VE Day. Maybe you saw Louise that afternoon, in Somborne Drive, High Lawn Way or in the area of the Thicket, or she may perhaps be in the background of mobile phone footage you have from the events that day?" added Detective Mackechnie.

“We also want to hear from any walkers, or runners, or anyone who could have been in the area of the Thicket that afternoon.

“If you use apps like Strava or other tracker apps when you are out walking or running, please check them to see if you were in these areas that afternoon and whether this helps you to remember seeing Louise.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting 44200163113, or you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111