A MAN arrested on suspicion of murdering a 13-year-old girl in Southampton has been bailed.

The 24-year-old was detained by police after teenager Lucy McHugh was found dead in woodland at Southampton Sports Centre on Thursday.

He was arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child, but was bailed yesterday (July 31) with conditions not to enter the Southampton area.

Police are continuing to appeal for information as they investigate Lucy's death.

It is known Lucy left her house in Mansel Road East at 9.30am on Wednesday 25 July and did not return home that evening as expected.

DS Paul Barton said: “This investigation very much continues and we really need the help of the community to understand Lucy’s activity in the 24 hours before her body was found.

“We know that this is causing a great deal of concern locally, please be assured we are doing all we possibly can to bring whoever is responsible for Lucy’s death to justice.

“Speculation, particularly on social media, is not helpful and leads to further issues we need to manage. This detracts us from the murder investigation.

“We will update the community with as much information as we can without compromising the investigation, we really appreciate your support in this.”

When Lucy left her house she was wearing a distinctive black jacket with white sleeves, the logo for the band Falling in Reverse on the front and RADKE 01 in red on the back.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 44180282545.