SPORTS clubs could hold key information on the last movements of a Southampton teenager in the moments before she was murdered, police say.

Officers are calling on members of the public who played at Southampton Sports Centre last Wednesday night to speak to them as part of their investigation into the death of schoolgirl Lucy McHugh.

It comes after 13-year-old’s body was found in a wooded area of the facility last Thursday.

READ: 'Devastated' headteacher pays touching tribute to murdered pupil Lucy McHugh

READ: Lucy McHugh murder: Police ask public for help with CCTV and dashcam footage

Police say a number of clubs used the facility around the time of Lucy’s disappearance.

She was last seen leaving her home in Mansel Road East on Wednesday, July 25, at around 9am.

Her body was found at the Sports Centre the following morning.

Police say they have already spoken to netball players, cricket players and members of an athletics club who used the facility at the time.

Police say they have already spoken to netball players, cricket players and members of an athletics club who used the facility at the time.

But they are calling for more sportsmen and women to come forward.

DS Paul Barton, who is leading the investigation, 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.”

Lucy's friends and family organised a balloon release in her memory, and the Daily Echo understands that Redbridge Community School, where she was a pupil, will be offering counselling services today.

PHOTOS AND VIDEO: Hundreds remember Southampton schoolgirl Lucy McHugh with balloon release

A letter posted to parents says: "We will have trained counsellors on site to provide supporters this Friday between 9.30am to 11.30am.

"Should any of our students require this additional support please contact us.

"Your place at our drop-in clinic can then be confirmed.

"There will also be a book of remembrance for your to write down your thoughts, reflections and prayers."

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.

A 24-year-old man, Stephen Nicholson, of no fixed abode, has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with failing to co-operate with police as part of their murder investigation.

READ: Lucy McHugh murder latest: Arrested man is bailed by police