Workmates ask why 'model colleague' Suzanne vanished

COLLEAGUES of missing office worker Suzanne Pilley last night issued an appeal for information, saying she is "extremely dependable" and that her disappearance is out of character.

• Suzanne Pilley was last seen two weeks ago near her workplace. Picture: PA

Staff at Infrastructure Managers, in Edinburgh's New Town, said Ms Pilley, 38, who vanished on her way to work just before 9am on 4 May, did not arrive late or take unexplained sick days.

According to CCTV footage, she was just yards from the office on Thistle Street when she was last seen. She was at the corner of North St David Street and about to enter Thistle Street when a black people carrier taxi is seen emerging from it.

Ms Pilley's colleagues have been helping police to build a picture of her routines as part of an investigation that has been stepped up in recent days.

A team of experts from the National Police Improvement Agency has been drafted in to the inquiry. The agency helped to trace Shannon Matthews, the schoolgirl who went missing for three weeks in February 2008.

An Infrastructure Managers statement said: "Suzanne is an extremely popular member of our team and everyone here is anxious to find out where she's been. She is one of eight bookkeepers in the company and her work is always of the highest standard. Her attention to detail is meticulous and she is extremely conscientious.

"Since joining us just over two years ago, she has been extremely dependable and that's what makes her disappearance all the more unusual. She isn't someone who would turn up late or take unexplained sick days. It is completely out of character."

Police revealed last Tuesday that they were "gravely concerned" for the safety of Ms Pilley, with officers warning of fears that she had fallen victim to a criminal act.

The force has refused to comment on reports that she may have been at the centre of a love triangle and may have recently broken off a relationship with a married man. Officers say Ms Pilley's mobile phone was last used to send two texts to her parents shortly before the last sighting of her on 4 May. Police deny claims that they are investigating a "mystery" call or texts.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Flannigan, who is leading the investigation, said: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all at Infrastructure Managers for their patience and co-operation at what must be a very difficult time.

"Everyone at the company is deeply concerned about Suzanne's disappearance and is as keen as we are to establish where she went from her last sighting..

"We recognise the massive impact a police investigation can have on a workplace, and fully appreciate the level of assistance being offered by both management and staff."

Police confirmed they had traced David Gilroy, a man said to have been living at Ms Pilley's flat in the Stenhouse area for several months, and have said he is helping with the inquiry.