Lucy murder appeal: Did you see a cyclist in the area?

Hampshire Police have begun searching a new area for the weapon used in the murder of Southampton teenager Lucy McHugh.

The 13-year-old's body was found in woodland near Southampton Sports Centre at 7.45am on Thursday 26th July.

Her funeral was held on Monday.

Officers hoping to trace the murder weapon have said that following clear line of enquiry, they are now searching an area of Tanner's Brook near Bindon Road and Waren Crescent in Southampton.

Detectives in the case are also now appealing for sightings of a man on a bicycle on Wednesday 25th July, the last day Lucy was seen alive.

They are asking the public to report if they saw a man wearing a dark jacket and blue jeans riding a dark mountain bike from the Sports Centre along Coxford Road or near the new search area.

Members of the public helped police by combing through the undergrowth in earlier searches for the weapon near the sports centre, but officer say that will not be possible this time around.

The police are asking the public to stay away during the current search, because the terrain in the new search area is more difficult to navigate.

The northernmost part of Tanner’s Brook will remain open for local residents.