Police are seeking the urgent assistance of the public in an effort to trace a 58-year-old woman reported missing from Portobello.
Hazel MacLauchlan was last seen at an address on Coillesdene Loan at around 2pm on Tuesday, October 27.
Since then she has not made contact with friends or family and an extensive police search is now underway.
Hazel has severe mobility issues and as such is said to walk slowly and with a shuffle.
Police are now urging anyone who has seen her to come forward.
Hazel is described as white, around 5ft 6ins tall, has a heavy build and has long straight hair down to her mid-back that is dark and greying. At the time of her disappearance she was wearing a cream coloured leather jacket and blue jeans.
Police Scotland is utilising a number of specialist teams as part of the ongoing search operation including the deployment of a dog unit and police helicopter.
Inspector Richard Cockbain who is helping coordinate the operation added: “Our concern for Hazel is growing with every passing hour and I appeal to the public to please get in touch if you have any information whatsoever that can assist with our inquiry irrespective of how minor it may seem.
“There will be increased police activity in Portobello and surrounding areas as part of our ongoing search. Officers have also carried out door-to-door enquiries and spoken with a number of local taxi drivers who may have seen Hazel or even picked her up.
“Hazel has lived in the area for a number of years and knows it very well but due to her mobility issues the likelihood is that she remains nearby.
“Her disappearance has left her family extremely upset and I appeal to her directly to make contact and to let us know that you are okay.”
Anyone who has information that can help officers trace Hazel is asked to call Police Scotland on 101.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
