Man arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with child after 13-year-old girl found dead in Southampton woods

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child following the death of a 13-year-old girl.

Lucy McHugh's body was found in woodland at Southampton Sports Centre at 7.45am on Thursday July 26, Hampshire Police said.

The teenager was last seen at her home on Wednesday morning and was reported as missing before being found by a member of the public.

The suspect, 24, from Southampton, remains in custody.

Detective Superintendent Paul Barton said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to Lucy's family and friends at this terrible time.

"We know Lucy left her house in Mansel Road East at 9.30am on Wednesday 25 July and did not return home that evening as expected.

"We're really keen to know what she did after leaving her house and would ask that anyone who saw her, had contact with her or knows of her movements on Wednesday contacts the incident room."

Lucy was last seen wearing a distinctive black jacket with white sleeves, with the logo for the band Falling In Reverse on the front and RADKE 01 in red on the back.

A post-mortem on Friday found that some of her injuries are unexplained, the force said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 44180282545.

PA