FRIENDS of murdered Southampton schoolgirl Lucy McHugh will release balloons today in memory of the teenager.

Classmates of the Redbridge Community School pupil will meet at Mansel Park, near to Lucy's home, to remember the 13-year-old, who was found dead in woodland in Southampton on Thursday.

The group, who described Lucy as “a bright spark”, will join together at 1pm.

The youngsters are asking for people to join them by contributing 50p for a balloon as well as donate to a fundraising appeal to pay for Lucy’s funeral costs.

READ: Campaign launched to help fund cost of Lucy McHugh's funeral

It comes after the teenager's body was found in woodland at the Sports Centre on Thursday.

On Sunday night police revealed the teenager died as a result of stab wounds.

However, police are yet to identify the weapon used.

READ: Police hunt for weapon used to stab teenager Lucy McHugh

They are appealing for members of the public who may have a found a sharp implement, particularly in the area around the Sports Centre to come forward.

They are also trying to trace Lucy's movement between 9.30am on Wednesday 25 July, when she left her house in Mansel Road East, and 7.45am on Thursday, when her body was found in woodland at the Sports Centre.

Last night, police released images of the type of clothing worn by Lucy McHugh before her death in Southampton.

The clothing is described as:

• Distinctive black jacket with white sleeves, the logo for the band Falling in Reverse on the front and RADKE 01 in red on the back

• White vest top

• Camouflage leggings

• Black and white Jordan 23 trainers

Daily Echo:

(Police released images of the type of clothing worn by Lucy McHugh before her death in Southampton)

Lucy’s hair was blonder than in the photo police released earlier and she was wearing large, hooped earrings.

Detective Superintendent Paul Barton said: "As we continue to investigate the circumstances of Lucy’s tragic death, we are repeating our appeal for the public’s help.

"We’re hoping the images and descriptions of the type of clothing she was last seen wearing will jog people’s memories.

"So that we can piece together what she did after leaving her house, we urge anyone who saw Lucy, had contact with her or knows of her movements on Wednesday to get in touch.

"We know how shocked the community is and understand that emotions are running high.

"However we ask people not to speculate on social media - it is unhelpful to the investigation and to Lucy’s family.

“Please allow us to do our job and find out what happened to Lucy.”

If you have any information that might help us understand the circumstances of Lucy’s death, please call 101 quoting 44180282545 or provide information online using this form: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/1004.

Lucy’s family has asked for privacy at this very difficult time.