A HOUSE involved in the Lucy McHugh murder investigation has been targeted by vandals.

Residents in Mansel Road East, where Lucy McHugh lived with her family, have spoken of their anger after expletives were graffitied across a house understood to be the family home of the murder suspect.

A four letter swear word was plastered across the building, which was boarded up after the occupants were moved to a safe house.

A 45-year-old man from Southampton was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a public order offence on Tuesday.

The house was investigated by officers as part of its operation to find out how Lucy McHugh died.

The 13-year-old’s body was found in a wooded area at the Sports Centre last week.

The discovery has sparked a citywide search for information and the alleged murder weapon.

Now people from the street have expressed their “anger” at the situation and to those involved.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “There is a lot of anger around here now.

“The home has been targeted by people and I fear it’s only going to get worse.

"So far it’s just been abuse plastered on the building, but I expect people to start throwing stones and bricks at it.

“What’s happened is absolutely disgusting and people will be showing their frustration.”

Another local added: “The police have been protecting that house since Saturday.

“All of the occupants’ belongings were taken from the building and it’s been boarded up now.

“I was pretty shocked to see what the building looked like. It doesn’t look great now.”

It’s been one week since Lucy’s body was found and locals have said it “was time, unfortunately, for business as usual to continue”.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed they were called to a property on Tuesday night at around 9.30pm.

The building’s boarding has now been covered in white to cover any abusive messages that had been left.

It follows the arrest of a 24-year-old man from Southampton on suspicion of murdering school girl Lucy McHugh, whose body was found in woodland at the Sports Centre on Thursday.

Police continue to hunt for a sharp implement that could have been used in the incident.