Police: Search for missing sisters not a criminal matter

The disappearance of two sisters in Aberdeen a week ago is not a criminal investigation, police have confirmed.

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32 and originally from Hungary, were last seen in Market Street, Victoria Bridge, at around 02:12 on Tuesday 7 January.

The sisters – who are from a group of three children – live in Aberdeen city centre, after moving to Scotland several years ago.

Police Scotland Superintendent Davie Howieson said one theory was that the sisters disappeared after going into the water.

Speaking at a media event near the River Dee he said: “There are no suspects, this is not a criminal investigation, this is a missing persons investigation.”

He said the force had “several hypotheses” and were keeping an open mind as to what might have happened.

One of the main theories was that the sisters had entered the water in the area being searched.

“At the moment, what we know is that CCTV shows they entered a footpath adjacent to the River Dee and we have yet to find any sign of them leaving that footpath,” he said.

“Inquiries are ongoing to see if we can extend that timeline further.”

He said the sisters’ landlord had raised the alarm.

“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 caused him to be concerned about the sisters’ whereabouts.”

Superintendent Howieson said the sisters appeared to be living normal lives in Aberdeen.

“We have conducted extensive inquiries into the sisters regarding their mental condition, lifestyle, activities, contact with friends and family,” he said.

“From everything we have gathered so far he appears to be living his life happily in Aberdeen, working, socializing with friends and keeping in touch with family in a completely normal way “

“We are extremely concerned for Eliza and Henrietta as our search enters its second week,” he said.

“Considerable efforts are being made to search the river and surrounding area. We have spoken to a number of people during our enquiries.”

“We will continue to examine all available CCTV footage to trace the sisters’ movements in the early hours of Tuesday.”

He said: “We remain in regular contact with Eliza and Henrietta’s family in Hungary and continue to provide them with support.

“We know our concerns are shared by the people of Aberdeen and the north-east. I would urge anyone who may have information that has not yet been passed to police, keep in touch,