Police in Louise Smith case continue search in Leigh Park as neighbours share sadness
Officers are continuing a search of a flat in the street where teenager Louise Smith was last seen.
A body was found in a forested area in Havant on Thursday by officers searching for the 16-year-old, who had been missing since VE Day.
A large number of police officers and vehicles remain in the area as searches for evidence continue.
Louise was last seen in Somborne Drive in the Leigh Park area at about midday on May 8.
Police forensic officers have been carrying out searches of a flat in the street and have blacked out the property's windows.
Neighbours have said it is believed that Louise had been staying with a couple at the flat.
John Singleton said: ‘I saw her on the day she went missing, she just went out walking, I didn't know where she was going.
‘It's very sad, the outcome is the saddest, for a while we had some hope.’
Describing the police activity at the flat, he added: ‘The police have been in and out carrying stuff.’
A man and a woman, both aged 29, were arrested on May 15 on suspicion of kidnap and later released on bail.
Hampshire police have confirmed that the death is being treated as suspicious and Louise's family was being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Chief Superintendent Scott MacKechnie said: ‘Our officers will continue to be conducting enquires in the Leigh Park area and the extensive forensic work will continue for some days in the Havant Thicket.’