VOLUNTEERS have joined police in searching for the murder weapon used to kill 13-year-old Lucy McHugh at Southampton Sports Centre.

More than 40 members of the public last night joined in the search, which was organised by Karen Watkins, and covered three areas close to the crime scene including the nearby cemetery.

Lucy was found dead in woodland at the sports centre on Thursday morning.

Yesterday Stephen Nicholson, 24, was remanded in custody after being charged with failing to co-operate with police investigating Lucy's murder.

Armed with sticks and gloves, the volunteers split into small groups and searched the sportsground for several hours.

Karen Watkins said: "It's just too close to home. As someone who lives a stone's throw from the sportsground I just wanted to help.

"I wanted to start a fundraising page, but it had already been set up, so I thought I would go and have a look. So myself and my daughter went out and searched last night.

"We thought it would be great if the community could come together and search.

"I'm not sure if we will find anything. But I just wanted to help however I can.”

Volunteer Jenny Keatley said: “We live at the top of the here and we do evening walks at the sports centre all the time. We feel we want to be as helpful as we can."