A DAD has said goodbye to his daughter four months after police believe she was murdered at home in Southampton.

Lucy Simms was found dead at her home in Vinery Road, Shirley, in June and despite numerous toxicology tests, detectives are no closer to finding out an exact cause of death.

A short private service was held for her at Southampton Crematorium on Thursday. The 26-year-old mother-of-one moved to Southampton from Colchester in 2007. During the service her dad, who lives in Colchester, gave an emotional address.

Brian Simms said: “The last four months, since her untimely death, has dragged by.

“I’m still completely lost for words, although I know Lucy had so many friends who share my sorrow.”

Afterwards, he said: “It is almost as if Lucy was with us. If this was true, then I’m sure she would have been overwhelmed by the send off.”

Friends and family gathered at a wake after the service to share their memories of Lucy, an aspiring model.

Mr Simms, a published author, also penned a poem for tragic Lucy.

In it, he writes: “It’s hard to believe, it wasn’t your time. You had departed before your prime. “So many things that were left undone. So much to live for but now you are gone.

“Why you were taken we’ll never know why. Please accept this as my fondest goodbye.

“From a father who’s always been so proud of you dear Lucy – you stand out from the crowd.”

Convicted rapist Lloyd Phillips has been arrested on suspicion of Lucy’s murder. He is still on police bail but is serving an 11-year prison sentence for rape, sexual assault and drugs offences.