Family’s ‘desperate’ plea as fears grow for missing Kal

THE family of an Edinburgh businesswoman who went missing more than two weeks ago have appealed for her to return home.

Khalsoam Ali, known as “Kal”, has not been in contact with friends or family for a fortnight and concern for her safety is growing.

Police today issued a fresh appeal for information on her whereabouts, and the 40-year-old’s family urged anyone who has seen her to come forward.

In a statement on behalf of her family, Kal’s sister Hazra Iqbal said: “Kal, if you are reading this we want you to know that we all love you dearly, and it doesn’t matter what has happened in the past, we just want you to come home, where we will be able to help you.

“Please find a way to let us know that you are safe and well, and if you don’t want to contact us then please let your friends or the police know you are OK.

“We are appealing to anyone who has spoken to or seen Kal in the last two weeks to contact the police as soon as possible.

“We are all very worried for her, and we are desperate for any information that can reassure us that she is safe.”

Last year Ms Ali opened the Capital’s first sewing cafe, the Sewing Bee Cafe, on Leith Walk, which rented out sewing machines by the hour to help people create their own clothes.

Ms Ali was last known to have been at her home in Dryden Street on Wednesday, March 7. She has failed to make contact with friends or family since.

Officers are making inquiries in and around Leith in a bid to establish her movements since she went missing.

Posters asking for information have also been posted around the area.

Police said inquiries had also taken officers to Bruntsfield, where she had visited friends prior to her disappearance.

Inspector Ian Davis said: “Kal has not been seen or heard from for two weeks now, and we are growing increasingly concerned for her safety. She was known to have regular contact with some of her family, most of whom live in the Sheffield area.

“Anyone who has seen or heard from her since she went missing is urged to contact police immediately.

“It appears she had returned home after visiting friends in Bruntsfield, so anyone who was in the area of Dryden Street on Wednesday night or Thursday morning may have seen her, and we would ask anyone who thinks they can help to get in touch.

“I would also like to appeal to Kal directly to make contact with police, family or friends as soon as possible to let us know that she is safe and well.”

Ms Ali is described as Asian, 5ft 4in tall, with a medium build, straight dark brown hair with a fringe, a large freckle on her right cheek, and brown eyes.

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800-555 111.

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