A "DEVASTATED" Southampton headteacher has paid a touching tribute to pupil Lucy McHugh following the discovery of the teenager's body.

Redbridge Community School headteacher, Jason Ashley, has spoken of his 'shock and disbelief' following the 13-year-old's death - which sparked a murder probe.

He shared a tribute via the school's Twitter page, in which he described Lucy as 'one of our own'.

Mr Ashley also shared a touching memory of the teenager, adding: "No more popping by and eating my chocolate, Lucy."

He 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.

Daily Echo: Redbridge Community School

"We are in shock and cannot believe that this has happened to on 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."

He added: "I'm devastated."

Mr Ashley's comments came as friends and fellow pupils of Redbridge Community School met in Mansel Park, near to Lucy's home, to pay tribute to the teenager.

WATCH: Hundreds attend balloon release in memory of Lucy McHugh

READ: Residents help police search in for weapon at Sports Centre

Hundreds attended the event and released balloons in honour of Lucy.

It comes after police launched a murder probe following the discovery of Lucy's body, in a wooded area at the Sports Centre.

Police later revealed Lucy suffered stab wounds and launched a murder probe.

Officers are still hunting for a sharp implement that could of been used in the incident.

They are appealing for members of the public to come forward if they have found a sharp implement, including a knife, scissors or another sharp implement, particularly in the area around the Sports Centre.

Officers have also encouraged those who may have thrown the item away to report it to officers, as they will attempt to recover the item.

They are now trying to trace Lucy's movement between 9.30am on Wednesday 25 July, when she left her house in Mansel Road East, and 7.45am on Thursday, when her body was found in woodland at the Sports Centre.

Police released images of the type of clothing worn by Lucy McHugh before her death in Southampton.

The clothing is described as:

• 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

• White vest top

• Camouflage leggings

• Black and white Jordan 23 trainers

Daily Echo:

(Police released images of the type of clothing worn by Lucy McHugh before her death)

Lucy’s hair was blonder than in the photo police released earlier and she was wearing large, hooped earrings.

Detective Superintendent Paul Barton said: "As we continue to investigate the circumstances of Lucy’s tragic death, we are repeating our appeal for the public’s help.

"We’re hoping the images and descriptions of the type of clothing she was last seen wearing will jog people’s memories.

READ: Campaign to raise money for Lucy McHugh's funeral reaches £5,000 in 24 hours

"So that we can piece together what she did after leaving her house, we urge anyone who saw Lucy, had contact with her or knows of her movements on Wednesday to get in touch.

"We know how shocked the community is and understand that emotions are running high.

"However we ask people not to speculate on social media - it is unhelpful to the investigation and to Lucy’s family.

“Please allow us to do our job and find out what happened to Lucy.”

Yesterday, a 24-year-old man, Stephen Nicholson was remanded in custody after being charged with failing to co-operate with police investigating Lucy's murder.

He is due to return to court at the end of this month.