HAMPSHIRE police officers have been given an award for bringing to justice the paedophile who killed Southampton teen, Lucy McHugh.

The team of officers that brought Stephen Nicholson to justice for murdering 13-year-old Lucy has been recognised for its work.

The team has won the award for Team of the Year at the International Digital Investigation Awards.

Held on March 10, the awards celebrated excellence, innovation and progress in digital investigation.

Every year the awards are attended by some of the leading international and UK law enforcement organisations.

Hampshire Constabulary has praised the work of its officers who played a part in the investigation into Lucy McHugh’s tragic murder in 2018.

Digital investigation was a significant element of the overall effort to bring Lucy’s killer to justice, according to the force.

Its team of digital investigators, examiners and analysts used cloud data analysis to recover key forensic evidence.

The Senior Investigating Officer leading the team, Detective Chief Inspector Dave Storey, said: “This was a display of endeavour, curiosity and utter determination by the officers to get justice in this case. Their innovative digital strategy of using cloud data lead us to finding key DNA evidence was absolutely crucial to the investigation.”

Assistant Chief Constable Ben Snuggs said: “The team’s innovation, skill and experience helped prove the case and I am really pleased that their hard work and team effort has been awarded in this category.

“The importance of this work will be obvious to each one of us given the proliferation of digital devices we all use. The success by this team helps demonstrate our organisational wide commitment to tackling crimes which have a digital footprint and we are well placed to investigate, keep people safe and bring those responsible to justice.”

“Well done to all those involved for winning in the category of Digital Team of the Year at this prestigious international digital awards event.”