Police searching new area of Edinburgh for missing mum-of-three
Khasha Smith, 35, hasn't been seen for almost a year
Specialist officers have begun searching an area of Edinburgh as part of investigations to find a mother of three missing for almost a year.
Khasha Smith, 35, was last seen to be safe and well during a Facetime call with a friend on October 10 last year.
Police said they have to consider the possibility that she may have come to harm.
Specialist search trained officers began searching an area off Calder Road in Edinburgh on Wednesday as part of the inquiry.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: "We continue to follow up several lines of inquiry and are working to find answers for Khasha's family.
"As with every missing person inquiry, all aspects of Khasha's life have been, and continue to be, explored.
"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.
"We are constantly evaluating and exploring all the information we have and remain open-minded. We are doing everything we can to find her."
Ms Smith is around 5ft and slim, with blue eyes and long, blonde hair.
She has tattoos, one of which is visible on her right wrist and says "Forever".
The family of Ms Smith appealed for information earlier in the year, describing her disappearance as a "nightmare."
Her daughter, Calley Smith, 18, said: "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."
Ms Smith's mother Nicola Neil said: "Khasha is a brilliant mum to her three children and is loved by all our very close family.
"We are all sick with worry. 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."
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3915 of January 5 2024.