THE parents of 17-year-old Lorna Gibbison have issued an emotional appeal for information on her unexplained death.

The popular teenager was found on Monday morning in a courtyard at the side of Alexander House, Fleming Way. Police still do not know the exact circumstances surrounding her death, although a post-mortem revealed she died from multiple injuries, consistent with a fall.

Her parents Keith and Julie Gibbison, who live in Bishopstone, said they were desperate to know what happened to her.

Mrs Gibbison, 42, who works as a childminder, said: "We need people to come forward, even if they just saw her walking down the street, so we can put it to rest."

Mr Gibbison, 43, a factory worker, added: "Both Julie and myself don't believe she went into Swindon on her own to be on her own.

"We believe she was going to meet someone there and, if that person's out there, if they could just come forward."

Mr Gibbison described his daughter, who had a 19-year-old brother, Daniel, as a wonderful young woman.

"Lorna was an extremely popular young lady, who had a wide circle of friends," he said. "If you met Lorna today she would probably burst through the door, laughing and giggling.

"She was just full of life. She was always the life and soul of the party, and would do anything for anybody.

"She was really, really special."

Lorna had been working at the Harrow Inn, Wanborough in the three weeks before her death and had previously worked at the True Heart, Bishopstone.

She had just moved into a flat in Frobisher Drive and was hoping to attend college one day a week to do a catering course. Her dad said she dreamt of owning a hotel.

Mr Gibbison said the last few days had been torturous for the family.

"The last time I spoke to Lorna was last Tuesday," he said. "She rang us up to leave us a phone number and address.

"She was joking and was in a positive mood. The past few days have been very difficult. After the first day you wake up thinking Have I dreamt what's just happened?' "Then people come to your door with flowers and cards."

Supt Richard Rowland, who described it as an "unusual" case, said Lorna probably died on Friday evening or Saturday morning.

"We are now clear she was dropped off in a taxi on Somerville Road, close to Sussex Square, and she was seen close to the Bulldog public house.

"We haven't been able to piece together her movements from that time and we appeal to anybody who had contact with Lorna to come forward."

Contact police on 0845 408 7000.