Lucy McHugh: Father of murdered schoolgirl will not attend her funeral

A murdered schoolgirl’s father has said he will not attend his daughter’s funeral to “avoid unnecessary conflict” as he has not seen her in four years.

The body of 13-year-old Lucy McHugh was found in woodland at Southampton on July 26 after she was stabbed to death.

Her mother Stacey White has arranged for her funeral to take place at Hollybrook Cemetery, Southampton, on August 27.

The ceremony aims to be a “celebration of life” and those attending have been asked to wear green and blue – Lucy’s favourite colours.

But Lucy’s heartbroken father said he feels unable to attend.

"To honour my daughter and avoid unnecessary conflict I have made the difficult decision not to attend the public celebration of Lucy's life,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

"I am arranging an alternative service for those who wish to honour Lucy and say goodbye, but have felt unable to attend the public event."

He added: "Yes I have not seen my daughter for four years but it doesn't mean I am not hurting she was my daughter as well."

Mr McHugh, who is the founder and director of Vape Barons, previously released a statement through Hampshire Police about his daughter’s murder.

"This is the most difficult and distressing time following the violent loss of my daughter Lucy,” he said.

"I am very grateful for the prayers and support being offered. I ask for privacy at this time."

Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses after Lucy disappeared on the morning of Wednesday July 25 – with CCTV images showing her walking past a convenience store in Wimpson Lane at 9.06am and on Coxford Road near Southampton General Hospital at 9.22am.

The charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Lucy's murder.

Stephen-Alan Nicholson, who was arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child, was released on police bail on July 31 but was remanded in custody by Southampton Magistrates' Court after he was charged under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) for failing to provide his Facebook password to detectives.

The 24-year-old will next appear at Southampton Crown Court on August 31.