Fears grow for woman who vanished on way to work

FEARS were growing today for an Edinburgh woman who vanished on her way to work in the Capital.

Suzanne Pilley, 38, was last seen on Tuesday morning after getting off the bus she usually takes to work every day.

Police have described her disappearance as "very uncharacteristic" and said they were becoming increasingly concerned for her wellbeing.

Today officers have launched a poster campaign to find Miss Pilley, who works as a bookkeeper near Thistle Street.

Chief Inspector Kevin Greig said: "It is a highly unusual case. We know she had left her home in the Stenhouse area of the city and used two buses to arrive in the city centre.

"CCTV footage shows her getting off a bus in the area of Jenners in Princes Street. Soon after she went into the Sainsbury's supermarket close to St Andrew Square.

"It is completely out of character for her not to keep in regular contact with her family and not to let her colleagues know she would not be coming in.

"She disappeared only three minutes away from her workplace. Although she was wearing unusual clothing for a day at work, everything else appeared entirely normal."

In a direct appeal to her, he added: "Suzanne, if you read or hear this, please make contact with us to let us know you are safe and well. This can be done in complete confidence."

Posters are being distributed around the city centre showing the CCTV image of Miss Pilley getting off a number 4 Lothian bus close to Jenners at 8:48am on Tuesday.

She had earlier boarded a number 2 Lothian bus at Stevenson Drive at 8:20am before getting off at 8:32am and changing at Dalry Road opposite Caledonian Terrace, departing at 8:35am, where she sat on the top deck near the rear.

Miss Pilley of Whitson Road, is described as 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, light blue trousers or jeans and trainers. Miss Pilley was also carrying a shoulder bag and a large water bottle.

Ch Insp Greig said: "She is very close to her mum and dad and has always texted and spoken to them daily.

"We wouldn't normally make an appeal as quickly as this but we felt that, in this instance, it was merited."

He added that one of their key lines of inquiry related to a romantic relationship.

He said: "We know that she had a boyfriend, but are not sure what stage that is now at. It is a hard time for her parents, given their close bond."

• Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0131-311 3131, or 0800 555 111.