Police search for missing sisters widens to coast

Police have stated that the search for two sisters missing in Aberdeen has been expanded to include coastal areas. Eliza Huszti and Henrietta Huszti, two of triplets, were last seen around 2:12 am on Tuesday on Market Street at the Victoria Bridge.

The latest search efforts include areas near Aberdeen Harbour's South Harbour and Duthie Park. Meanwhile, relatives in Hungary have urged people not to spread unfounded rumors about the sisters' disappearance. Previously, divers had searched areas near the River Dee where they were last captured on CCTV.

Police detectives previously stated there was no indication of anything suspicious surrounding the sisters’ disappearance. On Saturday, police renewed their appeal for information from the public. Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are extremely worried about their disappearance, and we are doing everything we can to find them. We are very concerned for their welfare and have significant resources dedicated to the investigation.”

A statement issued by the family on social media, written in Hungarian and later translated by BBC News, confirmed the sisters’ disappearance. The statement mentioned: “Therefore, we ask for respect and please do not spread any unfounded rumours. We can only say what has already been reported in the news.” The family also stated that Scottish authorities were carrying out investigations. The statement concluded: “The family is unable to provide information to everyone individually. Thank you for being with us during this difficult time.”

Their brother, Jozsef, told BBC News that the sisters seemed “fine” in the days before their disappearance. Their mother had a 40-minute phone call with them last Saturday, and everything seemed normal. Another triplet sister, Edit Huszti, said she had a video call with them on New Year's Eve and they seemed happy. Edit also said that the sisters were very close and spent most of their time together. They were described as sociable but, according to the family, they preferred staying in to watch movies rather than going out. Eliza particularly enjoyed cooking. She added that it was quite unusual for them to be out on the street in the early hours of the morning. Edit hopes her sisters will return to their family safely.

Eliza and Henrietta are both described as white, of slim build, with long brown hair. They moved to Scotland about seven years ago. They are believed to be from a “close-knit” family, and it is not understood what may have happened to the sisters. Henrietta is understood to work at a Costa coffee shop in Aberdeen. Police said the Victoria Bridge, where they were last seen, is on the Torry side and has a number of commercial and industrial units, where searches are ongoing. After crossing the bridge, the sisters turned right onto a path close to the River Dee, heading towards Aberdeen Boat Club. On Friday, searches focused on the river itself, the land around the area, and from the air. The Police Scotland helicopter, police divers, and search and rescue dogs were all involved. On the second day of the investigation, police confirmed that the River Dee remained a "focus." The investigation team also stated that there was no evidence to suggest the missing women had left the area.

Police have urged businesses in the South Esplanade and Menzies Road areas to check CCTV footage recorded in the early hours of Tuesday. Police stated that they are being supported by Hungarian police, who are liaising with the wider family, and urged anyone with information to contact them.