Southampton residents seeking justice for murdered Lucy McHugh will hold second public search for weapon

Members of the public will join forces again tonight to search the area around the Southampton Sports Centre - where Lucy's body was found last Thursday.

It comes just days after around 50 residents teamed up with police to hunt for the weapon used to stab the 13-year-old.

Officers have so far been unable to find the bladed instrument - which police believe could be a 'knife or a pair of scissors'.

Taking to social media to announce the second search, which will take place tonight (Thursday, August 2), Karen Watkins said: "As you know, around 40-50 people turned up to help search for the weapon used in Lucy's murder case.

(Lucy McHugh)

"Thank you to all that came. We found some items, but don't think they are connected with the case, but you never know.

"I've been messaged by several people to ask to do another search.

"We will be doing another search on Thursday."

The 'Justice for Lucy Search' will begin at 6pm tonight, with the group at the bottom of Dunkirk Road, near to the Sports Centre entrance.

The search comes a day after police renewed their public appeal for help in their murder investigation.

They are appealing for Southampton residents to bring forward CCTV and dashcam footage from the areas of Millbrook and Lordshill around 9am on Wednesday, July 25 - when Lucy last left her home in Mansel Road East.

DS Paul Barton said: “Members of the community have already given us lots of information and we are really grateful for this, but we still need your help.

“We’re trying to jog people’s memories today so that we can piece together Lucy’s last movements.

“Please think back to this time last week and remember where you were and what you may have seen.

“It may have seemed insignificant at the time but, knowing now what has happened, it could prove vital to our investigation.

“We specifically want to speak to anyone who was with Lucy, who spoke to her or thinks they may have seen her last Wednesday or into the early hours of Thursday.

"Equally, if you have any dashcam footage or private CCTV images which you think could help us, please get in touch.

"We also want to hear from anyone who may have been involved in activities at the Sports Centre on the Wednesday – if that’s you or you know clubs who were there on Wednesday, please get in touch.

"We fully understand that emotions are running high in the community, but we again appeal for people not to speculate about the details of the investigation on social media.

"It doesn’t help the investigation or Lucy’s family at this difficult time."

Lucy was last seen wearing the following clothes:

• 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

Anyone who finds anything linked to the investigation can call police on 101 quoting Operation Refund.

A 24-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child.