FACEBOOK bosses are accused of hampering cops probing the murder of a teenage girl.

They have failed to hand over a suspect’s ­password despite requests from detectives.

6 A suspect's Facebook password held in the murder of teen Lucy McHugh 'has been withheld' despite detectives requests Credit: PA:Press Association

The social media giant’s refusal to cooperate over the stab death of schoolgirl Lucy McHugh, 13, has led to calls for a law to force web firms to disclose suspects’ passwords.

Ex-Flying Squad chief John O’Connor said yesterday: “I think it’s outrageous.

The attitude of Facebook is going to require a response which will be a change in the law.

They will be obliged on the service of a court order to hand over information.

6 Facebook's refusal to hand over suspects password as led to calls in the change of the law Credit: AP:Associated Press

“There should be a massive fine if they don’t comply. The fact they don’t assist police in serious investigations is reprehensible.

“Facebook is such an integral part of people’s life so they should offer the ­cooperation voluntarily.”

6 Officers have been looking for any information regarding the murder of Lucy McHugh, 13, in Southampton Credit: PA:Press Association

6 Tributes have poured in after the teenager didn't return home on Wednesday 25 July Credit: PA:Press Association

Chilling CCTV shows schoolgirl Lucy McHugh, 13, outside Tesco just hours before she was found stabbed to death in woodland

6 Lucy's body was found in the woodlands near the Southampton Sports Centre 24 hours after she went missing Credit: Simon Jones - The Sun

Stephen-Alan Nicholson, 24, was quizzed over the murder of Lucy and sexual activity with a child.

The carer, who lived with Lucy and her mum in Southampton, was bailed but charged with failing to disclose access codes to an electronic device.

Hampshire Police want to know if he chatted to Lucy on Facebook Messenger.

A force spokesman said: “We have put in a request to Facebook and are awaiting a response.”

6 CCTV footage shows Lucy walking near a Tesco is Southampton near the sports centre where she was found Credit: PA:Press Association

Last night Facebook said: “We’re not able to comment on a live criminal case.”

Lucy was found dead in woodland in Southampton a day after going missing on July 25.

Cops have released CCTV which shows her half a mile away after leaving home.

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But officers admit there is a big gap in her movements, despite trawling through 15,000 hours of footage.

They are also still hunting the murder weapon, thought to be scissors or a knife.

Nicholson is in custody and due before Southampton crown court on August 31.