Police issue fresh appeal for missing city woman

Police has issued a fresh appeal to trace an Edinburgh woman who has been missing for more than a week.

Averil Shepley, 47, was last seen in the Marchmont area of the city around 10.30 pm on Friday, September 30.

Officers investigating her disappearance believe she walked to Min to Street, hailed a taxi and travelled to Queensferry Road, near the junction of Queensferry Terrace, at around 11pm.

Ms Shepley is described as white, around 5 ft 7 in tall, of slight build, with short dark hair. She was last seen wearing a black woolly hat with toggles on each side and black trousers.

She could also be wearing a bright pink Goretex jacket and have a black and red rucksack in her possession.

A trawl of CCTV cameras, including those on private homes and at road crossings and ATMS, is understood to be under way as fears continue to grow for Ms Shepley’s safe return.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Averil’s welfare and need anyone who has seen her to please contact us.

“I’m asking people in the Silverknowes, Davidson’s Main sand Queens ferry Road areas to please check their dash-cams or any private CCTV cameras for any relevant footage that could help us to trace her.

“I would also say to Averil directly, if she sees this appeal, please get in touch with officers or your family to let us know you are safe and well.”

Anyone within form ation which could assist the investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 0090 of October 1, 2022.