DETECTIVES are asking for help to find a teenage girl from Southampton who has been missing for five days.

Megan Rudkin, 14, was reported missing by her mum after failing to return to her Milton Road home on Wednesday.

Police say they are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of of Megan, a pupil at Oasis Academy, Mayfield.

They say she has gone missing for brief periods before, but never for so long or without any signs of her whereabouts or contact with friends or family.

Extensive enquiries to trace Megan are underway.

Detective Inspector Gary Towse, from Shirley CID, said: “We are especially concerned for Megan’s welfare because of her age and vulnerability. We are still investigating the possibility that she may have voluntarily gone off with a man.

“We have had no sightings of her, and we believe she could be anywhere in Hampshire or even have travelled further afield by now.

“Her family are worried sick and just want her to come home. Our message to Megan is that you are not in trouble, we just need you to call us and let us know that you are okay or, even better, come home now.”

Megan is described as white, 5 ft 8 ins tall, slim and with shoulder length purple hair.

When last seen she was wearing black trousers, a white blouse, and believed to be wearing her Oasis Academy blazer.

Megan, or anyone with information which may help officers trace her, is urged to contact Shirley police by dialling 101 from inside Hampshire, or 0845 045 45 45 from outside the county. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.