HUNDREDS gathered to release balloons in memory of murdered Southampton schoolgirl Lucy McHugh.

Classmates from Redbridge Community School, friends, family and nearby residents joined together yesterday (July 31) at Mansel Park to send a sea of multicoloured balloons high into the sky.

The vigil came just five days after the 13-year-old's stabbed body was discovered in Southampton Sports Centre by a dog walker.

The memorial was arranged by Lucy's mates and saw more than 250 people turn up to show their respects to the "much loved" teenager.

Daniella Valante, a close friend of Lucy's, helped organise the event and said she wanted people to remember Lucy's life.

"We have all been in so much pain because of this, we wanted to do something for Lucy," the 13-year-old said.

"She was a really good friend of mine and it's been such a difficult week."

Many of the balloons, which were released at around 1pm, were pink and blue - Lucy's favourite colour.

Other youngsters and local said they were proud so many people had come together after the "devastating" week.

Anthony Davies, 33, said: "It's been a massive shock to everyone in the community. It's such a sad, horrible situation for the girl and her family."

Schoolfriends Paige Wing, 13, and Amelia Henner, 12, also paid tribute to "fun-loving" Lucy.

Paige said: "She would always help anyone in the school. She was so lovely and everyone is going to miss her."

Amelia added: "We wanted to celebrate her life...it's been such a shock but it's nice to see so many people remember her."

In a social media post, Redbridge Community School's headteacher Jason Ashley said: "We have recently learnt that one of our students has died and that there is now an ongoing criminal investigation into the circumstances regarding this.

"As a school community we are absolutely devastated and we have shed many tears over the last couple of days.

"We are in shock and cannot believes that this has happened to one of our own.

"We will do everything we can to support the police in their investigation and we extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathies to family and friends.

"We will look to offer our support to them also.

"No more popping by and eating my chocolate, Lucy. I'm devastated."

Earlier today, a 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering Lucy was released on police bail.

Police are continuing to appeal for information as they investigate Lucy's death.

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

DS Paul Barton said: “This investigation very much continues and we really need the help of the community to understand Lucy’s activity in the 24 hours before her body was found.

“We know that this is causing a great deal of concern locally, please be assured we are doing all we possibly can to bring whoever is responsible for Lucy’s death to justice.

“Speculation, particularly on social media, is not helpful and leads to further issues we need to manage. This detracts us from the murder investigation.

“We will update the community with as much information as we can without compromising the investigation, we really appreciate your support in this.”

When Lucy left her house she was wearing a distinctive black jacket with white sleeves, the logo for the band Falling in Reverse on the front and RADKE 01 in red on the back.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 44180282545.