The family of missing Alice Byrne have been left 'devastated' after finding out she 'entered water alone'.
The 28-year-old had been last seen leaving a friend’s flat in Marlborough Street, Edinburgh on New Year's day.
Prior to that, she had last been seen by her family at 2am after the bells.
Now they have been left heartbroken as police confirmed she walked towards the promenade and beach and got in the water.
They confirmed they believe there is 'no evidence to suggest she left the water'.
Taking to social media Alice's shattered loved ones thanked family, friends, neighbours, and strangers for their support during these painful times.
It comes after the community stepped up to help with the search, posting pictures and asking local residents and businesses to check their CCTV for any clues as to where Alice had gone.
Alice's family shared: "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.
"Finally, we ask that people please respect our family's privacy.
"There is a lot to deal with and we don't want to be fielding questions.
"Thank you all."
Police Scotland said: "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."
Anyone with information is asked to phone the police on 101, quoting reference 0647 of January 2.
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