Khasha Smith: Daughter 'desperate' as mum missing for five months
- Published
Khasha Smith's family have appealed for information on her disappearance
The daughter of a woman who has been missing for almost five months says she is "living the worst dream imaginable".
Calley Smith spent her 18th birthday wishing for the safe return of mother Khasha following her disappearance from Calder in Edinburgh.
The mother-of-three has not been seen since October, but was not reported missing until 5 January.
Officers from Police Scotland's major investigation team are now leading the search.
Khasha, 35, was last seen in person at the home she shared with her partner in the Calder Grove area.
Officers have searched the 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 have also been searched.
Officers have searched a small section of the Union Canal as part of the investigation
Police previously said Khasha had been in contact with her family in November.
However, Det Ch Insp Bob Williamson said they last know her to have been "safe and well" on 10 October.
'We miss our mum'
Calley said she was "desperate" to hug her mother.
She added that it was out of character for Kasha to miss a significant milestone in her life.
Calley Smith said she was 'desperate' to have her mum home
"I recently had my 18th birthday and didn't hear anything from my mum. She would never miss my birthday, my sisters' birthdays, or Christmas," she said in a statement.
"We miss her so much. We want nothing more than my mum to walk through the door and to be able to give her a massive hug. It feels like I'm living the worst dream I could ever imagine.
"I can't express what it would mean to have my mum home. Even the smallest piece of information might be all we need to find her."
Khasha is described as being about 5ft tall, with long, blonde hair, blue eyes and a slim build.
She has several tattoos, one of which, bearing the word "forever," is visible on her right wrist.
She is known to frequently visit the Broomhouse, Gorgie and Wester Hailes areas.
Timeline of Khasha Smith's disappearance
Khasha Smith was last seen 'safe and well' on 10 October
10 October 2023: Khasha is last seen "safe and well" at home in Calder Grove.
4 November 2023: Khasha last thought to have contacted family members, but no longer believed to have been "safe and well".
5 January 2024: She is reported missing by family months after last contact.
7 January 2024: Police Scotland appeal for information launched.
9 January 2024: Police re-appeal for information after investigating potential sighting in Slateford between 21 and 24 November 2023.
12 January 2024: Police Scotland's major investigation team takes over probe into Khasha's disappearance.
21 - 24 January 2024: Officers carry out fingertip search of woodland, metal containers and Union Canal culvert near Khasha's flat.
4 March 2024: Khasha's daughter, Calley, and mother, Nicola Neil, appeal for information five months on from last sighting.
Khasha's mother, Nicola Neil, appealed for anyone with information on her daughter's whereabouts to come forward
Khasha's mother, Nicola Neil, 55, said the family were "sick with worry" and urged anyone with information to come forward.
She said: "Khasha is my friend as well as my daughter and we are living a nightmare.
"It's hard to find the words to explain the 'not knowing' where she is and if anything has happened to her.
"These past few weeks have been horrendous and painful for us all."
'All possibilities considered'
Det Ch Insp Williamson said officers were "keeping an open mind" about Khasha's disappearance.
He confirmed officers were investigating Khasha's banking activity as part of the probe.
No-one has been interviewed as a suspect during the investigation.
An online portal has been launched allowing the public to submit information directly to officers, external.
He said: "While we are keeping an open mind, and continue to hope Khasha will be found safe and well, we have to consider the possibility that she may have come to harm.
"Our inquiries are ongoing and a key focus of our investigation is continuing to build up a picture of Khasha's life in the months prior to her disappearance.
"We are keen to speak to any of Khasha's friends who may have information about her whereabouts before the last known confirmed sighting of her on 10 October 2023."