Man, 29, arrested over murder of teen Louise Smith who disappeared on VE Day

A man has been arrested on suspicion of killing teenager Louise Smith who disappeared on VE Day in Hampshire.

The body of the 16-year-old was found on Thursday in woodland in Havant Thicket, following an almost two-week rescue mission. Louise, from the Leigh Park area, was reported missing on May 8.

Hampshire Police confirmed on Wednesday that a 29-year-old man, who had previously been arrested on suspicion of kidnap, was re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

A woman of the same age, who had also previously been arrested for kidnap, has been re-arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Both had previously been arrested on May 14 – seven days before her body was found – but had been released on bail, said police. Both suspects are currently in custody.

The force have not released a cause of death but are continuing fingertip searches in Havant Thicket where her body was found. A police cordon remains in place.

Louise had not been in touch with her friends or family since she was last seen in Somborne Drive at around midday on VE Day.

Neighbours previously said they believed the teenager had been staying with a couple at an address in Somborne Drive.

It is understood she may have been heading to a skatepark three miles away from her home in nearby Emsworth when she disappeared.

She had told friends and her boyfriend, who was visiting for the weekend, that she would be back later but was not heard from again.

Officers, along with Hampshire Search and Rescue, launched an ‘extensive’ rescue mission in the nearby Havant Thicket and Staunton Country Park areas before her body was found on May 21.

Friends have paid tribute to Louise, describing her as a ‘charming young girl who had her whole life ahead of her’.

Family friend Jackie Meredith said she was a ‘really lovely young girl’ who was funny with a ‘large circle of friends’.

‘What has happened is disgusting, it’s just so sad,’ she added. ‘I really hope the police find out what happened to her, whatever it was.

‘We need to know, we all need to know as we live here. Her parents of course need to know, but we as a community need to know. It is all such a shame.’

Detective Chief Superintendent Scott Mackechnie said: ‘We have read the tributes that have been paid to Louise and we know just how much she meant to the community.

‘I want to reassure you that we are doing all we can to find out who is responsible, to bring justice for her and for her family.’

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