The Hasty FamilyThe disappearance of two sisters in Aberdeen a week ago is not being treated as a criminal investigation, police have confirmed.
Eliza and Henrietta Huzty, both 32 and originally from Hungary, were last seen in Market Street at Victoria Bridge at around 02:12 on Tuesday 7 January.
The sisters – who are from a set of three – live in Aberdeen city center after moving to Scotland several years ago.
Police Scotland’s Supt Davy Howison said one theory was that the sisters had disappeared after going into the water.
Speaking at a media event on behalf of River D, he said: “There are no suspects, this is not a criminal enquiry, this is a missing persons enquiry.”
He said the force had “a number of hypotheses” and was keeping an open mind as to what might have happened.
A leading theory was that the sisters had entered the water in the area being searched.
The area was covered in snow and ice when the sisters disappeared after the bitter cold weather.
“What we do know is that, at this point, the CCTV provides that they entered a footpath adjacent to River D and we still have no sign of them leaving that footpath,” he said. “
“Inquiries are ongoing as to whether we can extend that timeline further.”
Google/BBCHe said the alarm was raised by the sisters’ landlord.
“In the previous days, the sisters had indicated to the landlord that they intended to leave their tenancy and the landlord made inquiries at the address which led to his concern about the whereabouts of the sisters.”
Super Howison said the sisters appeared to be leading normal lives in Aberdeen.
“We have made extensive inquiries regarding the sisters’ mental state, lifestyle, movement, contact with friends and family,” he said.
“Everything we’ve gathered so far suggests he’s happily living that life in Aberdeen – working, seeing friends and keeping in touch with family in a completely normal way.”
Super Howison said police were “extremely concerned” for Eliza and Henrietta.
He said that a lot of efforts are being made to search the river and the surrounding area. We have spoken to several people during our enquiries.
“We continue to examine all available CCTV footage to substantiate the movement of the sisters in the early hours of Tuesday.”
He added: “We are in constant contact with Eliza and Henrietta’s family in Hungary and continue to provide them with support.
“We know our concern is shared by the people of Aberdeen and the North East. I would appeal to anyone with information, which has not yet been given to police, to come forward. Get in touch“
Officers spoke to pedestrians and motorists in the area in an early-morning operation on Tuesday to try to shed more light on the sisters’ movements, a week after they disappeared.
An extensive search has been launched with police helicopters, divers and dogs.
Relatives issued a statement Monday evening appealing to anyone with information that could help in the search.
“This has been a very stressful and upsetting time for our family,” the statement said.
“We are really worried about Eliza and Henrietta and we just want them to be found.”
The women are described as having a slim build with white hair and long brown hair.