Police search home in hunt for missing youth worker
POLICE hunting for a youth worker they believe ‘may have come to harm’ have searched properties and woodland near where she was last seen. Emma Faulds, 39, vanished from her home in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, more than a week ago.
Detectives have sealed off a house in the village of Monkton, around 12 miles from her home, and specialist officers were yesterday searching the detached property.
A forensics tent has been erected outside the house. Two cars were also being examined and sniffer dogs have been seen around the property.
Miss Faulds’s car, a light blue BMW 1 Series M Sport, had been removed by police and is undergoing a full forensic examination.
The popular dog lover was last seen around 9.10pm on April 28, in Monkton.
Homeowners in the village’s Fairfield Park said there was a large police presence in the area.
One resident – who asked not to be named – said: ‘The rumours have been flying about what might have happened but it is quite scary.
‘The police have been going about in white suits, so obviously things are very serious. You don’t expect to see this on your doorstep.’
Miss Faulds’s family reported her missing after she failed to contact them. They were unavailable for comment yesterday but had described her disappearance as being ‘out of character’.
She worked for the Kibble Education and Care Centre, a Paisley-based charity that works with troubled youngsters. Its chief executive Jim Gillespie voiced his concerns for her safety. He said: ‘Our thoughts are with Emma’s family at this time and we hope and pray for her safe return.’
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Fergus said: ‘Emma is in constant contact with her family and friends and the fact that she has not been heard from is alarming.’
He added: ‘We are liaising with Emma’s family and we now believe that she may have come to harm.
‘Emma’s car has been removed for examination. I am appealing to members of the public who may have seen [her car] in the Monkton and Kilmarnock areas late Sunday night into Monday morning.’
‘I would ask people with dashcams to check their footage as they may have captured the car and not realise its significance.’ He continued: ‘You may have noticed the registration number but thought nothing of it at the time, but now where and when you saw it could be vital.’
Miss Faulds is described as white, around 5ft 3in with a slim, athletic build, long blonde hair, a pale complexion and blue eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland by calling 101.
‘She may have come to harm’