Police hunt for missing teenager

Police said Rosemary left home after a family argument

An intensive land, air and sea search has been launched in the New Forest to find a missing teenage girl.

Rosemary Edwards, 15, left her family home in Wellington Close, Dibden Purlieu, Hampshire, after an argument at about 2230 BST on Tuesday.

Specialist police search teams have been drafted in to conduct a fingertip search in and around Rosemary's home.

Police have already conducted inquiries throughout the area and with other forces to find her.

Girl 'distressed'

The search team is supported by the force's air support unit, dog units and other agencies, including the coastguard.

Neighbours and residents living within a half-mile radius of Rosemary's home have also been asked to check sheds, garages and gardens.

Officers also want to speak to dog walkers, walkers, joggers or horse riders who have used routes through the New Forest since Tuesday night, in particular Beaulieu Heath and Dibden Inclosure.

Police said Rosemary had never left home before but has been described as being in a distressed state after a family discussion ended in disagreement.

We hope someone somewhere will have information or knowledge about Rosemary and where she is Supt Barry Talbot West Hampshire Police

Drivers in the area of the Heath Roundabout at Dibden Purlieu after 2230 BST on Tuesday are also asked to contact police.

Supt Barry Talbot, deputy commander of West Hampshire Operational Command Unit, said: "We hope someone somewhere will have information or knowledge about Rosemary and where she is.

"We urge them to contact us without delay and tell us what they know.

"All information will be treated sensitively."

Rosemary appears to look older than 15. She is white, 5ft 9in (1.75m) tall with a slim build.

She is thought to have been wearing blue jeans, a horizontally striped pattern top with turquoise and light blue stripes and blue ankle shoes with a white flower pattern.

Her dark blonde hair falls to about four inches above her waist and is either worn loose or in a loose braid.