POLICE in the New Forest are growing increasingly concerned for the safety of a 17-year-old boy from Frogham.

Ross Haughey was last seen at around 1.30pm on Sunday when he left his Abbotswell Road home, telling his parents he was going for a walk.

The alarm was raised when he failed to return later that day.

The teenager usually take the paths and tracks towards Fritham, near the streams, the Hyde Farm Shop or around the Gorley area.

He is slim, 5ft 10in tall with short dark hair. When last seen Ross was wearing a grey hooded top, jeans and white running shoes.

He was carrying a rucksack containing a wax-effect jacket.

Ross is fit and used to walking long distances but sometimes suffers from depression.

Sgt Simon Flint said: ““I’d urge anyone who has seen Ross, or has any idea of his whereabouts, to phone 101.”

Police are stepping up the search this afternoon, follow live updates from the search here