Fears mum-of-three Khasha Smith from Edinburgh has 'come to harm' as family issue desperate plea

The family of a missing mum-of-three fear that she has “come to harm” as they issue a desperate plea for her safe return to Edinburgh.

Khasha Smith was officially reported missing from the Calder area on Friday, January 5, after concerns were raised by her family who had not heard from her since November 4, 2023.

A major search has been launched involving specialist search officers and the underwater unit but there has been no sign of Khasha.

Following “extensive enquiries” police have confirmed she was last seen on October 10, 2023.

The 35-year-old is described as around 5ft tall, of a slim build, with long blonde hair and blue eyes.

She also has tattoos, one which is visible on her right wrist and says “forever”.

The family of the 35-year-old spoke during a press conference on Monday and issued a desperate plea for anyone with information to come forward.

Khasha’s daughter Calley Smith said: “I recently had my 18th birthday and didn’t hear anything from my mum. She would never miss my birthday, my sisters’ birthdays, or Christmas.

“It’s just not her. 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.

“I can’t express what it would mean to have my mum home. Even the smallest piece of information might be all we need to find her.

“So I’m asking anyone with any information – please come forward and help the police bring my mum home for me, my sisters and the rest of the family.”

Khasha’s mum Nicola Neil said: “Khasha, we love you so much and just need to know you are safe. We need you home with us.

“If anyone, anywhere, knows where Khasha is – please tell us. Please don’t let us go on like this.

“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. These past few weeks have been horrendous and painful for us all.

“I would ask anyone out there – even if we don’t know you – please come forward if you know anything at all.

“Please help us bring Khasha home. This waiting is unbearable. I’m begging you from the bottom of my heart – please get in touch. I miss her so much and we need to find her.”

Police said enquiries are “ongoing” and have launched a Major Incident Portal to help gather information on where Khasha might be.

Detective chief inspector Bob Williamson said: “Khasha’s family are understandably extremely worried about her.

“We have a dedicated team of officers who are working around the clock to find her and get answers for her family.

“While we are keeping an open mind, and continue to hope Khasha will be found safe and well, we have to consider the possibility that she may have to come to harm. We must consider all possibilities.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and a key focus of our investigation is continuing to build up a picture of Khasha’s life in the months prior to her disappearance.

“We are keen to speak to any of Khasha’s friends who may have information about her whereabouts before the last known confirmed sighting of her on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

“We have also set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information, including any recorded footage.

“The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to the major investigation team.

“It is absolutely vital that we find Khasha and I would again ask anyone with information – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem – to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3915 of January 5, 2024.”