Two men have been charged with attacking the stepdad of murdered schoolgirl Lucy McHugh.

Richard Elmes suffered injuries to his head and arm after he was assaulted outside a convenience store in Windrush Road, Southampton, on Sunday.

Hampshire Police said the 22-year-old was taken to hospital but was later discharged.

Lucy's mother, Stacey White, is thought to be receiving police protection.

Image: Stacey White is under police protection

Wayne Grant, 27, of Byron Road, and Charlie Whitemore, 22, of Waveney Green, have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Elmes.


Both men are due to appear at Southampton Crown Court on 27 August.

Ms White has asked to be allowed to grieve in peace after her daughter's killer was jailed for life at Winchester Crown Court last week.

She told the Southern Daily Echo: "All I want is for us to be able to process all we have heard in court and grieve for our little girl, not have to live how these people are making us."

A family member, who wished to remain anonymous, told the local paper: "This whole situation is scaring me. It's so dangerous.

Image: Stephen Nicholson left was sentenced over the murder of Lucy McHugh

"There is a vendetta against Richard and Stacey.

"Stacey fears for her life. She doesn't even feel like she can go to the cemetery for fear of being attacked."

Stephen Nicholson, 25, was sentenced to a minimum of 33 years for murder, three counts of rape against Lucy when she was 12, and sexual activity with another girl aged 14.