Teenager accused of woman's murder

Police sealed off the area after the death

A 15-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of a woman in Dundee last week.

Civil servant Anne Nicoll, 34, was found dead on Dundee Law, the hill which dominates the centre of the city, early last Thursday evening after failing to return from walking the family dog.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, made no plea or declaration when he appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court and he was remanded to a secure unit.

Anne Nicoll was found by her partner

Miss Nicoll's body was discovered by her partner Gordon McKenzie, who had gone out to look for her when she failed to return home.

Miss Nicoll had picked up the family pet from her father's house nearby before taking it on a regular walk.

Police sealed off the area and carried out an intensive search.

Dog walkers, joggers and other people who use the area were questioned as more than 70 officers were dedicated to the task of catching Miss Nicoll's killer.

The family made a special plea on Tuesday for help to catch the attacker.

On Wednesday, police said a 15-year-old boy had been charged with murder.

The case has been continued for further examination and the teenager will appear in court again in a week's time.