POLICE investigating the disappearance of Hampshire teenager Rosemary Edwards have been overwhelmed by the number of calls received from members of the public.

More than 50 people telephoned the Operation Emshot enquiry office last night saying they may have seen a girl matching the 15-year-old's description.

Officers are now following up all those enquiries as the search for the teenager continues.

The investigating team is also scanning though CCTV footage from a number of locations surrounding Rosemary's home in Wellington Close, Dibden Purlieu.

It is now a week since the teenager went missing. Police are asking members of the public to think about where they were this time last week and what they were doing.

The police have also urged Rosemary to make contact to let everyone know that she is safe and well.

Supt Barry Talbot said: "One concern we have is that Rosemary may be worried about the reaction she might get from her parents and us. I would like to reassure her that she has nothing to fear or worry about. She is not in trouble; we just want to hear from her to know that she is safe and well.

"If she does not want to phone her parents or the police, she should seriously consider contacting the Runaway Peoples Helpline which is an independent organisation that supports young people in these circumstances. This is a confidential service. Their number is 0808 800 7070."

Yesterday Rosemary's parents, David and Jennifer, brother Robert, 17, and sister Lucy, 19, appeared at a press conference to appeal to her to come home.

Alex Bernard, head teacher at Noadswood School, where Rosemary was a pupil and prefect, also spoke at the conference.

Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to contact the enquiry team immediately if they see Rosemary or have information that might lead them to her whereabouts. Information should be given by phoning the Operation Emshot team on 0845 045 4545.