Mate of missing Melbourne woman Isla Bell, 20, reveals she was about to tell her some exciting news – before she suddenly stopped typing

A young woman who mysteriously vanished from Melbourne three weeks ago was excited to tell her best friend about her new boyfriend –  before she suddenly stopped replying.

Isla Bell was staying at a relative’s place in Brunswick, near the city’s CBD, on October 4. just days before her 20th birthday. when she left the residence at about 6pm and was never seen again.

Concerned family members shared a number of photos of her in an online group, urging anyone who sees her contact police – particularly if she was accompanied by an ‘older male’.

Her best friend has now spoken out about the situation on social media, saying she last spoke to Ms Bell on October 7 – three days after she was last seen. During that conversation, Ms Bell was keen to talk about a recent night out and a new man she was seeing.

‘She was just about to tell me all about her night, this new guy she was with, how and where she met him, she abruptly stopped replying before giving me any more details,’ the anonymous friend said.

‘She was very eager and excited to tell me all about it, then radio silence.’

Isla Bell (pictured) was about to tell her best friend about the new man she was seeing, but suddenly went silent

Another friend said Ms Bell had struggled with mental health issues and did sometimes disappear for days at a time.

They said: ‘The messages to her friend the night she disappeared were really sus, real dodgy crowd.’

‘The police have been pinging her and such but to not much immediate avail.’

Her family had a trip to the Great Barrier Reef planned for her 20th birthday. They tried to contact her to book flights, but she never replied.

Her family has created a fundraiser to pay for ‘missing’ posters, and to hire a private investigator. 

Ms Bell (pictured left, with a friend who is not related to the story) is described as 160cm with long red hair and facial piercings

Ms Bell’s family tried to plan a trip to the Great Barrier Reef for her 20th birthday, but they couldn’t get in touch with her

Earlier this week, the Crime Investigation Unit was assigned to her case.

Her friend Tamara Griffiths wrote in a Facebook post: ‘If you see someone matching Isla’s description, especially in the company of an older male, please report it immediately.’

‘Do not approach or intervene – your safety is important too.

‘Isla is deeply loved by her family and friends. Every share, every set of eyes looking out for her, brings us one step closer to bringing her home safely.’

Ms Bell is described as having a slim build, red hair, pale complexion and with nose, lip and eyebrow piercings.

She is known to frequent Melbourne CBD, Carlton and Fitzroy. 

Do you know more? Email charlotte.karp@mailonline.com