Girl thought to have been murdered had ‘heart of gold’, friend says

Girl thought to have been murdered had ‘heart of gold’, friend says

Friends of a 16-year-old girl who is believed to have been murdered have spoken of their devastation at the death of the “lovely girl with a heart of gold”.

A body was found in a forested area in Havant, Hampshire, on Thursday by officers searching for Louise Smith, who had been missing since VE Day.

Local resident Mandy Ferdinando, who had known Louise since she was a young girl, laid flowers at the entrance to Havant Thicket, where the body believed to be the teenager’s was found.

“The community is devastated, sad, shocked, I can’t speak for everybody but when anyone hears of a young person, whoever it may be, it’s very sad.”

A large number of police officers and vehicles remain in the area as searches for evidence continue.

Louise missing
Louise Smith was last seen on VE Day (Hampshire Constabulary/PA)

Police forensic officers have been carrying out searches of a flat in the street and have blacked out the property’s windows.

Neighbours have said it is believed that Louise had been staying with a couple at the flat.

Mandy Ferdinando, friend of Louise Smith, leaves flowers outside Havant Thicket (Ben Mitchell/PA)

“It’s very sad, the outcome is the saddest, for a while we had some hope.”

Describing the police activity at the flat, he added: “The police have been in and out carrying stuff.”

The blacked out flat in Somborne Drive, Havant (Ben Mitchell/PA)

Hampshire police have confirmed that the death is being treated as suspicious and Louise’s family was being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Scott MacKechnie said: “Our officers will continue to be conducting enquires in the Leigh Park area and the extensive forensic work will continue for some days in the Havant Thicket.”

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