Man and woman re-arrested after body of teenage girl is found on West Sussex border

Detectives investigating the death of 16-year-old Louise Smith have re-arrested a man and woman, police confirmed today (Wednesday, May 27).
Louise Smith was last seen alive on May 8. Picture: Hampshire ConstabularyLouise Smith was last seen alive on May 8. Picture: Hampshire Constabulary
Louise Smith was last seen alive on May 8. Picture: Hampshire Constabulary

Louise, from Havant, was last seen alive at midday on VE Day, May 8, in Somborne Drive, Leigh Park. Last Thursday morning, officers searching for her found a body in Havant Thicket, near Rowlands Castle on the West Sussex border.

On Saturday evening, Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that the body found was that of Louise. The police force subsequently launched a murder investigation. Read more here

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Two people, initially arrested on suspicion of kidnap on May 14 and released on bail, have now been re-arrested.

CCTV image of Louise Smith entering a Tesco Metro on Greywell Road shortly before 7.30pm on Thursday May 7. Picture: Hampshire ConstabularyCCTV image of Louise Smith entering a Tesco Metro on Greywell Road shortly before 7.30pm on Thursday May 7. Picture: Hampshire Constabulary
CCTV image of Louise Smith entering a Tesco Metro on Greywell Road shortly before 7.30pm on Thursday May 7. Picture: Hampshire Constabulary

A police spokesperson said: “The 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and the 29-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

“They remain in custody at this time.”

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