POLICE have extended their search to a cemetery as part of a probe into the death of Southampton schoolgirl.

Officers cordoned off part of Hollybrook Cemetery – a short walk from the Sports Centre, where Lucy McHugh's body was found last Thursday.

A corner of the cemetery, off Lordswood Road, remained cordoned off on Friday.

A neighbour said: "They were here from about 9.30 - 10pm [on Thursday night].

"My daughter phoned the police but they said they already know about it.

"Then we woke up at about 4am and they still had their headlights on. They were sat there all night.

"We had a search here a couple of nights ago."

Police have been working round the clock to piece together the 13-year-old's final movements.

Lucy was last seen leaving her home in Mansel Road East on Wednesday, July 25, at around 9am.

The public have been asked to help with investigations - and police are asking anyone who might have seen her at any point to come forward with information.

She was wearing:

  • 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

• White vest top

• Camouflage leggings

• Black and white Jordan 23 trainers

Daily Echo:

Detective Superintendent Paul Barton, who is leading the investigation, said: “Please think back to this time last week and remember where you were and what you may have seen.

“It may have seemed insignificant at the time but, knowing now what has happened, it could prove vital to our investigation.

“We specifically want to speak to anyone who was with Lucy, who spoke to her or thinks they may have seen her last Wednesday or into the early hours of Thursday."

A 24-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of murder and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

A 24-year-old man, Stephen Nicholson, of no fixed abode, has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with failing to co-operate with police as part of their murder investigation.

READ: Five ways you can help police in the Lucy McHugh investigation