Man charged with murder, abduction and two rapes

The woman's body was found at a house in Springfield Drive

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a woman at a house in Falkirk in the early hours of Friday morning.

Steven Mathieson, 38, was also charged with abducting and raping two women.

He made no plea or declaration during a brief hearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court and was remanded in custody.

The dead woman was found in a bedroom of a house in the town's Springfield Drive at 00:30.

Mr Mathieson is alleged to have carried out the crimes at his home.

A Crown Office spokesman said he faced one charge of murder, two of abduction, and two of rape.

He is expected to appear in court again on 16 December.