Search for missing Edinburgh woman Suzanne Pilley goes online

THE hunt for missing Suzanne Pilley moved online yesterday in a fresh appeal for information.

Friends of the Edinburgh woman, who disappeared on her way to work in the city centre, set up a Facebook page as the hunt for clues widened.

Any subscriber to the social networking site can access the page by searching for her name at www.facebook.com.

Lothian and Borders Police officers have made highly publicised appeals as they try to work out what happened to the 38-year-old office worker.

The last recorded sighting of her was captured by CCTV on North St David Street at 8.55am last Tuesday.

She had been on her way to work at Thistle Street and appeared to be following her normal route before vanishing just 40 yards from her destination.

Police have said they are "gravely concerned" for her safety and fear she may be the victim of crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Flannigan, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are keen to ensure as many people as possible are aware of Suzanne's disappearance, so having a presence on an online social networking site is a highly effective way of achieving this.

"We are very grateful to Suzanne's friends who have set up the site, which is a useful addition to the ongoing inquiry."

He continued: "The inquiry is progressing, but the painstaking examination of CCTV footage is a laborious, but crucial, part of the investigation. As a result, we are still keen to hear from people who may have seen Suzanne since her last sighting on North St David Street.

"I'm asking you, if you were in Thistle Street that morning, to have another think back to the morning after the Bank Holiday weekend, and think if you saw Suzanne. If anyone is in any doubt about whether they saw Suzanne on this day or another day, it is vital they come forward as we have methods of helping clarify this."

Pilley is described as being white, 5ft 4in tall, of slim build with short, light brown hair shaped into a bob.

She was wearing a light blue waterproof jacket, red fleece zipped to the neck, light blue trousers or jeans and trainers.

She was also carrying a shoulder bag and a large water bottle when she was last seen.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0131-311 3131 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.