A police investigation has been launched after the body of a young girl was found in Hampshire woodland.

Police say they are treating the death of 16-year-old Louise Smith as suspicious.

The discovery of a teenager's body in the Havant area comes after she had gone missing earlier this month.

Police say that formal identification has not yet taken place.

Daily Echo:

However, Louise’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Police are treating the death as suspicious, and are continuing to investigate the circumstances.

Before she vanished Louise was last seen at about midday on Friday, May 8, in Somborne Drive, Havant.

Detective Chief Superintendent Scott Mackechnie said: “Today officers located a body in an area of woodland in Havant Thicket.

Daily Echo:

“We know that news of this discovery will be very upsetting for the community, so I want to reassure you that we will be working around the clock to establish what has happened.

“We will endeavour to provide you with further updates as soon as we can, but in the meantime, we’re asking the community not to speculate on the circumstances, and instead provide all information to the police in the first instance, as this is crucial to help our enquiries.

Daily Echo:

“Thank you to everyone in the community who has offered their support so far and has assisted us with this investigation.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting 44200163113, or to contact the Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.