“Goodbye my precious Lucy - I know you are in heaven now.”

Those were the emotional words of Southampton schoolgirl Lucy McHugh’s father - Andy McHugh - as he made a tearful tribute to his teenager daughter.

Around 50 friends and family members attended a memorial service held yesterday at Shirley Warren Action Church.

It comes more than four weeks after the teenager’s body was found at Southampton Sports Centre – sparking a murder investigation.

Speaking at the service, Mr McHugh said: “This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

“Words cannot describe the emptiness that I am feeling.

“Lucy leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all of us.”

The service was held separately from the one held at Hollybrook Cemetery, where Lucy’s body was buried yesterday afternoon.

Leading the service, reverend Jenny Elliott said Mr McHugh had been estranged from his daughter for the last four years - saying the move was to “protect” his daughter.

The ceremony contained a number of hymns and prayer, while mourners lit candles to a song specially written by singer Scott Cunningham following Lucy’s death.