A CYCLIST is being hunted as part of Hampshire Constabulary's investigation into the murder of Southampton schoolgirl Lucy McHugh.

Officers are carrying out an investigation in Shirley Warren where they believe the weapon that killed the 13-year-old has been discarded.

Hampshire Constabulary said it is searching an area of terrain between Tanner's Brook Close, Bindon Road and Warren Crescent.

They are also asking asking members of the public if they saw a man riding a dark mountain bike from the Sports Centre along Coxford Road or close to the new search scene.

Police are appealing for sightings of the man, who is described as wearing a dark jacket and blue jeans, on Wednesday, July 25.

Lucy’s body was discovered in woodland at the Sports Centre at 7.45am the next morning.

Previously members of the public carried out their own searches at the Sports Centre, but police have confirmed this will not be possible due to the nature of the terrain at the investigation site.

Hampshire Constabulary are asking the public therefore to help the investigation by not coming to the area.

The northernmost part of Tanner’s Brook will remain open for local residents.

Detective Superintendent Paul Barton added: "We have reason to believe that the murder weapon - a knife, scissors or other sharp implement - was discarded in this area and we are focusing our searches there.

"As part of our investigation, we are also looking to identify a man we believe cycled from the Sports Centre to this location that morning.

"We are hoping that this new information jogs someone’s memory.

"If you saw this man, please get in touch and help us find Lucy’s killer.”

If you find anything that could be linked to the investigation, please contact us immediately so we can deal with it appropriately.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting Operation Refund.

The charity 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.

It comes a day after family and friends of Lucy remembered the Redbridge Community School pupil at two different services in the city.

A 24-year-old man from Southampton arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child, and was subsequently technically bailed in relation to those offences, with conditions not to enter the Southampton area. Bail has now been extended by Superintendent’s authority until October 27.

The same man was charged with an offence which relates to failing to disclose a password to his Facebook account to detectives investigating Lucy murder.

He was remanded in custody until 31 August.