Missing Edinburgh woman Alice Byrne is said to have entered the sea alone on the morning of her disappearance, police have confirmed.
Officers in the capital released a statement on Thursday afternoon (February 10) after "extensive enquiries" into the whereabouts of the 28-year-old.
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After being last seen leaving a friend's flat Marlborough Street, Edinburgh, on the morning of January 1, a city-wide search was launched to find Alice as quickly as possible.
Police had used house enquiries, drones and search teams around the Portobello area, with thousands around the city sharing the appeal online.
However, speaking on Thursday police said that "efforts to trace her continue", but that they believe "she entered the water alone on the morning she went missing.
In an emotional message on social media, Alice's family thanked the police and public, adding that they have been "devastated" by the news.
A post read: "Firstly, thank you to all the family, friends, neighbours and strangers who've supported us and helped spread the message about Alice. You'll never know what this means to us.
"Secondly, a thanks to the police who have been professional and supportive from the very beginning of all this. They do far, far more than people realise and we have full confidence in everything they've done. Their investigation is ongoing and they continue to support us.
"We've been astounded by the support and motivation to help, from all across the world. That means a lot to us. We know that Alice was loved, that people really do care and wanted to help us find her. We also know that the police have followed up on every lead reported and every potential sighting.
"Sadly, based on a range of evidence, we believe that Alice entered the water alone on the first of January. There is no evidence to suggest she left the water and there is no suspicion of any criminality. As you'd expect we are all devastated. We're aware that this will raise a lot of questions however we will not be giving any more detail at this time."
With police still carrying out efforts to trace Alice, a police statement added: "Extensive enquiries have been carried out as part of our efforts to trace 28-year-old Alice Byrne, including house to house enquiries, CCTV reviews and detailed searches in the local area.
"Alice was last seen leaving a friend’s flat in Marlborough Street, Edinburgh, on the morning of Saturday, 1 January, 2022, and walking towards the promenade and beach.
"Our enquiries have subsequently indicated that Alice entered the water alone on the morning she went missing.
"Efforts to trace her continue and officers are providing support and updates to Alice’s family."
