A 28-YEAR-OLD Portobello woman missing since Hogmanay has connections to Newhailes in Musselburgh, police have confirmed.

Alice Byrne was last seen between 8am and 10am on New Year's Day after she left a party at a flat on Marlborough Street.

She was previously seen by her family at about 2am on the same day at her family home.

Alice is described as white, about 5ft 6in in height and of medium build, with short black hair; she was last seen wearing a black top, black jeans ripped at the knees and white trainers.

Police have asked locals in Portobello and the surrounding area to refrain from carrying out their own searches for Alice.

Six search parties were due to look for Alice at 10am this morning; however, the search was called off at the request of Police Scotland.

Meanwhile, residents of East Lothian have taken to community pages online to aid the search by reporting potential sightings and encouraging people to check home/business CCTV footage.

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal from Craigmillar Police Station confirmed that Alice regularly visited Portobello and the Newhailes area of Musselburgh.

He has reassured residents that police are carrying out extensive searches and enquiries in these areas.

"Local officers led by specialist search advisors have been assisted by resources including the air support unit, police dogs and our marine unit," he said.

Officers are continuing to speak with people who know Alice and the local community.

He added: "Searches are continuing throughout the area and we would also ask local residents to check their outbuildings and sheds, as well as urging anyone with any information on Alice’s whereabouts to get in touch as soon as possible.”

“This is an upsetting time for Alice’s family, who are extremely concerned that she has not been in contact with them since Saturday – this is completely out of character for her.

“I would again urge anyone who has seen Alice since Saturday morning, or anyone with information on her whereabouts, to contact us as soon as possible.

"If Alice reads this appeal, I would urge her to phone her family, friends or the police."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting the reference number 0647 of January 2.