HAMPSHIRE police have launched an investigation after money was allegedly stolen from a trust set up in memory of Lucie Blackman, the British hostess dismembered in Japan.

Officers have written to her father Tim Blackman asking for an explanation of apparent financial discrepancies in the Lucie Blackman Trust.

The Isle of Wight based charity has denied any wrongdoing and assured it can account for any missing funds.

But Heidi Back, the charity's former deputy chief executive of the Trust, has reportedly complained to police.

A Hampshire Police spokeswoman said: ''A complaint has been received by Hampshire Constabulary relating to an allegation of theft within the Lucie Blackman Trust.

''The force is in the early stages of its investigation, and can make no further comment at this time.'' A Trust spokesman denied any suggestion that thousands of pounds has gone missing from the charity, which promotes safety among young people.

He said all money could be accounted for and there was an "innocent explanation" for the gap between money paid and received.

The trust said that Ms Back was sacked from her position last month.

A spokesman for the Charity Commission that regulates charities in England and Wales, said: ''We are currently considering these concerns to determine what action, if any, may be required from us.'' Mr Blackman declined to comment.

Miss Blackman, from Sevenoaks, Kent, disappeared in July 2000 while working as a bar hostess in the Roppongi bar district of Tokyo.

The 21-year-old's dismembered body was discovered in a cave just 100 yards from Japanese businessman Joji Obara's apartment after a seven-month search in 2001.

Obara, 54, was cleared of raping and killing her at Tokyo District Court last week..

He was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of nine rapes and the death of an Australian woman.

Mr Blackman has come under fire for accepting £450,000 condolence money from a friend of Obara.