THE dad of murdered Southampton 13-year-old Lucy McHugh says this is "the most difficult time of his life".

Teenager Lucy was found dead at Southampton Sports Centre on Thursday, July 26.

Police have launched an investigation into her death and called in assistance from the National Crime Agency.

Yesterday Hampshire Constabulary released more CCTV images showing the 13-year-old, who lived on Mansel Road East, walking past a Premier Convenience Store at 9.06am on Wednesday, July 25 – a day before her body was found.

And now her dad Andy McHugh has released a statement regarding his daughter's death.

He said: "This is the most difficult and distressing time following the violent loss of my daughter Lucy.

"I am very grateful for the prayers and support being offered.

"I ask for privacy at this time."

Officers have been seen searching extensive areas of the sports centre, as well as Hollybrook Cemetery.

Detective Superintendent Paul Barton, who is leading the investigation, said: "These CCTV images show Lucy walking purposefully in the direction of the General Hospital shortly after she left her home in Mansel Road East.

"Perhaps you were on your way to a hospital appointment that morning and saw Lucy, but did not think anything of it at the time.

“You may have seen her near the hospital or after she went past the Tesco Express further along Coxford Road.

“You’ll see that a number 17 bus passed Lucy near the hospital. Were you on that bus and did you see her later on?

“It’s never too late to get in touch - your piece of information could make the difference in finding Lucy’s killer.”

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Lucy's murder.

Earlier in the investigation, Stephen Nicholson, 24, from Southampton, was charged with an offence relating to failing to disclose a password to his Facebook account to detectives investigating Lucy’s murder.

He was also arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child.

He was remanded in custody until August 31.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting Operation Refund, or visit https://mipp.police.uk/operation/1004.