Friends of a woman missing from Cumbernauld believe she may have travelled to Edinburgh amid reports of a potential sighting in Leith.
Karen Stevenson was last seen in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, February 19 after leaving her home in the Lairds Hill area of the North Lanarkshire town.
The 42-year-old was spotted walking towards a community centre via Brown Road and Fleming Road at around 2:55am but has failed to make contact with concerned family members.
READ MORE: Edinburgh Council to reconsider contaminated depot site for Gaelic school
Police Scotland has since been made aware of a potential sighting of Karen at the capital’s Ocean Terminal shopping centre, though officers stress it remains “unconfirmed” at this time.
It comes just days after relatives issued a heartbreaking plea for any further information on her disappearance.
A statement read: “This is completely unusual for Karen and she has never been missing before.
“The whole family are really worried and would like Karen to get in contact with anybody to let us know she is safe.
“If anyone has any information at all then please contact the police as soon as you can."
Karen is described as being around 5'1 with a slim build and long brown hair and was understood to be wearing a purple hooded jacket with a fur lined hood, cream long sleeve t-shirt with a graphic design, black leggings, and black ankle boots at the time of her disappearance.
She also may be carrying a small pink handbag, with metal studs and a chain strap, according to officers.
Inspector Susan Rae, of Cumbernauld Police Station, said: “Extensive searches and enquiries have been carried out throughout the local area in an effort to trace Karen.
“These are continuing and we've been assisted by resources including specialist search advisors, and the dog unit. Officers have also been carrying out house to house enquiries and checking CCTV.
“I know our concern is shared by locals, and I would continue to urge anyone who thinks they may have seen Karen to get in touch as soon as possible. Any information, no matter how small, could help find her."
Inspector Rae added: “If you have seen Karen since Sat 19 February, or have any information that may be relevant to our investigation please call 101 with reference 3369 of 19 February.”
