Police are searching a house in Monkton in connection with the disappearance of missing woman Emma Faulds

Ms Faulds went missing from her Kilmarnock home nine days ago. Her family and friends have been left "distraught" by her disappearance.

Today a forensic search team descended on the plush estsate in Fairfield Park, Monkton, and carried out an extensive search of the detached property.

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Police says they fear the 39-year-old, who was last seen at about 9.10pm on Sunday, April 28 in the Monkton area, may have come to harm.

The family of Ms Faulds are said to be "distraught" over her disappearance and have put missing posters up in towns across the west coast as well as Glasgow and Paisley, where she works.

Ms Faulds' car, a blue BMW 1 Series M Sport with the distinctive registration number F5 EMA, was recovered from her home and is undergoing a full forensic examination.

Two other cars are also being examined.

Ayr Advertiser: Officers also searching nearby woodsOfficers also searching nearby woods

A Police spokesman confirmed last night: “Detectives now believe Emma may have come to harm.

“The last confirmed sighting was around 9.10pm on Sunday, April 28, in Monkton. Emma has not been seen or heard from since, which is totally out of character. Her family is understandably extremely upset.”

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Fergus from Police Scotland’s Major Investigations Team said: “Emma is in constant contact with her family and friends and the fact that she has not been heard from is alarming.

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"Emma also has a dog, a west highland terrier, and she would never leave it for any length of time without ensuring someone is able to look after it.  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 and I am appealing to motorists, taxi drivers or members of the public who may have seen it being driven in the Monkton and Kilmarnock areas late Sunday night into Monday morning.

"I would ask people with dash cams to check their footage as they may have captured the car and not realise its significance.  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.

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"Emma is a sociable outgoing person who enjoys seeing her family and friends. They are distraught at not knowing where she is or what may have happened to her. I would appeal to anyone who may have information or knowledge as to her whereabouts to contact us.

"If you saw Emma a few days before she was reported missing, you may have information which could assist us so please do contact us, did you see her with anyone, did you speak to her, any small piece of information could be highly significant.”

Ms Faulds is described as white, around 5ft 3in, of slim, athletic build, with long blonde hair, a pale complexion and blue eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call MIT officers at Kilmarnock Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 2412 of Tuesday 30 April 2019.  Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.