FRIENDS of a Hampshire schoolgirl who has been missing from her home for three days are speculating that she may be in Southampton.

Teenager Isobel Attwood disappeared after leaving her home in Kings Worthy, at lunchtime on Saturday, sparking a police investigation to find her.

Since leaving her home in Springvale Road, the 16-year-old has posted a message online apologising for the trouble her disappearance has caused and insisting she is safe.

But officers are still urging Isobel to get in touch or return home, and appealing for anyone who may have heard from her or seen her to get in touch as soon as possible to ensure her safety.

Several hours after officers issued their appeal yesterday, her friends took to the Hampshire Constabulary Facebook page, claiming that she had been in touch and that she was in the Southampton area.

While others posted screen grabs of Isobel's earlier message which read: “Anyone who's had the police round theirs I'm sorry. I need to just get away for a while. I'm safe and feel bad for all this.”

Isobel, is described as white, 5ft 4ins tall, of small build, with long brown hair with extensions.

PC Ross Edwards said: “We're becoming concerned for Isobel's welfare.

“We believe she could still be in the Southampton area but she has also previously travelled to Winchester.

“Isobel, if you're reading this, you're not in trouble. Please come home or make contact with us or your family.

“We've following up several lines of enquiries since Isobel went missing and believe she has been seen since but we've been unable to trace her so far.

“If anyone has spotted Isobel or a girl matching her description or if anyone knows where she is, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Edwards at Winchester police station on 101.