Specialist police deployed in search for missing mother

Khasha Smith has not been seen since last October

A specialist police search team has been deployed in the search for an Edinburgh mother who has been missing for almost a year.

Khasha Smith has not been seen since October 2023 but was not reported missing until 5 January.

The team is searching in the Calder Grove area of Edinburgh - where she lived with her partner.

Police Scotland said they had to consider the possibility Khasha may have come to harm but said they remained open minded and were doing everything to find her.

In March Calley Smith appealed for information about her mother's disappearance

In March, Khasha's mother, Nicola Neil, and her daughter, Calley Smith, appealed for information.

Calley said she spent her 18th birthday wishing for the safe return of her mother.

Det Ch Insp Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland, said: "We know she would never miss events such as her daughter's birthday and Christmas and we have to consider the possibility that she may have come to harm."

The specialist police team are searching the Calder Grove area of Edinburgh

However, he added they were following up several lines of inquiry.

"We remain open minded and are doing everything we can to find her," he said.

Earlier this year officers searched the mother-of-three's property, as well as a small section of the Union Canal about a hundred yards away from the flat.

A nearby woodland and metal containers close to the estate were also been searched.

Khasha was last seen to be safe and well during a Facetime call with a friend on 10 October 2023.

She is 5ft and of slim build. She has blue eyes and long, blonde hair. She also has tattoos, one which is visible on her right wrist and says 'Forever'. She has never gone missing before.