The family of Alice Byrne have shared they are "devastated" after police confirmed she is believed to have entered the water near Portobello beach.
Officers issued a statement on Thursday (February 10), that shared they believe the missing 28-year-old had "entered the water alone" on the morning she went missing.
A city-wide effort had been launched to help find Alice in January, with searches, drone work and multiple enquiries carried out in the hope of reuniting her with her family.
However, speaking out on social media, Alice's brother Xani shared the family are "devastated" at the news, and thanked the public for their support over the last few weeks.
READ MORE - Alice Byrne: Edinburgh 28-year-old went into 'water alone' on day she disappeared
In an emotional post, he wrote: "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."
Speaking earlier, a police statement read: "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."
