POLICE were today travelling to London to follow up a fresh lead in the search for missing Southampton schoolgirl Davina Pillay.

The 15-year-old Sholing Girls' School pupil contacted a friend at a university in the capital on Tuesday evening, officers have revealed.

Inspector Alan Birtwistle, of Bitterne Police, said it was the first time the youngster had spoken to anyone at length over the phone since she went missing on Tuesday of last week.

Davina, of Montague Close, Sholing, was last seen getting into a car after leaving her grandmother's house at 11.30pm.

Police are trying to trace the driver and have appealed for help from cabbies who may have picked up a fare from the address in Augustine road, Northam.

Insp Birtwistle said: "We are stepping up our concern and are sending officers up to London today.

"The good thing is, she has been in touch with friends so we are still hearing from her that way. We need to interview the friend who she contacted because we don't know what was said.

"Hopefully we will be able to glean why she left home, where she could be staying and what her circumstances are.

"We know Davina has relatives in London but it doesn't appear she is with any of them.

"Her mother has now been in touch with them all, and all are adamant they have not heard from her."

The girl's parents, Frances and Andy Pillay, said all they wanted was for Davina to come home.

Her headteacher, Nicole Etheridge, said: "Davina is a very good student who works very hard.

"We want her back and are distressed that she is not at school at the moment."

Ms Etheridge added: "Sholing Girls' School is doing everything it can to help the police find her."

Anyone with information should call Bitterne police on 02380 335444.

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