FEARS were growing this week for the welfare of a Winchester schoolgirl who has been missing for more than a fortnight.

Valerie Custance, 14, has not been seen since she left her Winton Close home at about 2.30pm on Monday, April 3.

Police said she had gone missing before, and left an answer phone message on Saturday, April 8, to say she was okay, but didn't know when she would be back.

This is the longest length of time she has been missing without being seen at all, the police added.

She is described as 5ft 4ins tall and of pale complexion.

She has brown, shoulder length hair and was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a brown belt, cream jacket with fur around the hood, and wedge sandals.

Acting police sergeant, Penny Linstead, said: "Although Valerie has been missing for short periods of time before, we are concerned for her welfare due to the length of time she has been missing.

"She is vulnerable because of her young age, even though she may look or act older."

Anyone who knows where Valerie is, or has seen her since she went missing, is asked to contact the patrol sergeant at Winchester police station on 0845 045 45 45.