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Louise Smith: Body in Havant woods confirmed as missing teenager
May 23, 2020
Police searching for Louise Smith have confirmed that a body recovered from woodland is the missing teenager.
The body of the 16-year-old, who was last seen on VE Day, was found in Havant, Hampshire, on Thursday.
Louise, from the Leigh Park area, was reported missing on 8 May.
Hampshire Police said on Saturday evening formal identification procedures were complete and Louise's family informed. They previously said the death was suspicious.
The family were being supported by specialist officers, police added.
Image caption Remains were discovered in Havant Thicket on Thursday
Friends of the teenager have spoken of their devastation.
Mandy Ferdinando, who had known Louise since she was a young girl, laid flowers at the entrance to Havant Thicket, where the teenager's body was found.
She previously told the Press Association: "She was a lovely girl with a heart of gold.
"The community is devastated, sad, shocked, I can't speak for everybody but when anyone hears of a young person, whoever it may be, it's very sad."
Louise had not been in touch with her friends or family since being seen in Somborne Drive, a short distance from where the body was found.
Image caption Louise was last seen in Somborne Drive on 8 May
Police forensic officers carried out searches of a flat in the street and blacked out the property's windows.
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