THE headteacher of murdered teenager Lucy McHugh's school has delivered a heartfelt message to its pupils.

Jason Ashley, leader of Redbridge Community School, comforted students, who were returning for the first time since Lucy's body was found in July.

In a speech to the 13-year-old's fellow students, he said: "I don’t want you to be worried or scared.

"I never believed I would have to lead a school through such a traumatic experience as a child murder.

"I want to show you that we have our times of grief. There will be moments when we are down and when we get up.

If you need help if you’ve got any information we are desperate to help you."

Mr Ashley asked the year group for ideas about how and what the school can do to remember Lucy.

He is considering naming the new horticulture centre 'Lucy's Garden' in her honour.

And Mr Ashley added in his speech: "There's a bit of me that thinks some of us must know something but they can’t think they can’t share that because they’ve sat on it for too long or they are going to get into trouble."

Hampshire Constabulary will remain at the school throughout the day to engage with the students. 

Lucy's body was found in woodland at Southampton Sports Centre on July 26. 

Steven Nicholson, 24, of NFA, was last week jailed for 14 months after pleading guilty to failing to co-operate with a police investigation.

Nicholson refused to hand over his Facebook passwords after he admitted to officers he had spoken to Lucy the morning before her body was found.

He remains on bail for his arrest on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child.

A charging decision is anticipated on October 27.