Detectives Continue To Appeal Following Death Of Woman

Detectives investigating the death of a London woman whose body was found in the Gogar area of Edinburgh earlier this year have uncovered new information.

Saima Ahmed's exact movements as she journeyed to Scotland remain unconfirmed however detectives now believe that she bought a Birmingham to Edinburgh rail ticket at Birmingham New Street Station at around 5pm on Sunday, August 30th, 2015. 

There is a strong possibility that she then boarded one of two Edinburgh bound services scheduled for later the same day:

-  Either the 5:15pm Virgin service due to arrive at Edinburgh Waverley at 10:22pm 

This stopped at the following locations:

Sandwell & Dudley, Wolverhampton, Crewe, Warrington, Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston, Lancaster. Passengers travelling onto Edinburgh then switched services and boarded the 7:14pm stopping at Oxenholme Lake District, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Haymarket and Waverley. 

OR

-  The 5:30pm Virgin Cross Country Network (via York), which was due to arrive at 10:21pm.

This service stopped at:

Derby, Sheffield, Doncaster, York, Darlington, Durham, Newcastle and Waverley.

Saima Ahmed's body was discovered on the afternoon of Saturday 9th January 2016 off Gogarstone Road on the western edge of Edinburgh. A major investigation was subsequently launched to establish why the 36-year-old travelled to Scotland and the circumstances that led to her death. 

Furthermore and in response to an earlier appeal, Police Scotland has been made aware of an unconfirmed sighting of Saima at Portobello beach some time in late August, possibly on the 31st.

A member of the public spoke with a woman, who was walking alone and who closely matched Saima's description, at around 10:30am on a Monday, although an exact date is unknown.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin MacLean, Head of Crime Operations for Edinburgh CID, said: "Saima's death remains unexplained, and, at this time, whilst there is nothing to suggest any criminality, we need to keep an open mind and strive to find the answers to many questions that remain for Saima's family. 

"My team's investigations have uncovered new evidence that appears to help narrow down Saima's arrival time into Edinburgh although admittedly we cannot be sure which train she boarded.

"We also cannot discount the possibility that once in Edinburgh she travelled to the beachfront at Portobello and I would be very interested to hear from anyone who might have seen her in that area. Given that she is not from the area it is likely that she would have relied on public transport in order to get around the city and as such I would urge regular users of buses or trams, including drivers of course, to think back and get in touch with police if you have any relevant information.  

"Likewise, anyone who remembers seeing or speaking to Saima towards the end of August, please get in touch with police on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

DCI MacLean finished: "We continue to be in close contact with the Ahmed family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their ongoing cooperation and patience."

A major public appeal for information was launched after Saima's body was discovered.

The investigation has thus far led detectives to believe Saima likely travelled by rail to Edinburgh on Sunday the 30th of August last year.

Saima's movements on that day are as follows:

8:30am - Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley - Saima leaves home

9:57am - captured on CCTV alone in High Road, Wembley

10:00am - High Road, Wembley - ATM outside Natwest Bank - Saima is believed to have withdrawn money from her account.

10:08am - captured on CCTV alone entering Wembley Central Railway Station

10:18am - Wembley Central Railway Station - boards a London Overground service bound for Watford Junction. She appears to have been alone.

Saima thereafter is believed to have alighted at Watford Junction and at...

11:06am  - believed, but not confirmed, to have boarded a train bound for Northampton.

Her exact route after this time is unknown however police believe she probably travelled to Hemel Hempstead, Birmingham and then onto Edinburgh.