Father faces baby murder charge

Eight-month-old Annalise Middleton died in the fire

The father of an eight-month-old baby girl who died in a house fire in Shetland has appeared in court charged with her murder.

Billy Middleton, who appeared in private at Lerwick Sheriff Court, also faced two charges of attempted murder.

Mr Middleton, 32, made no plea or declaration and was committed for further examination. He was remanded in custody.

Annalise Middleton died in the family home fire in Brae on 20 September.

The family's six-year-old girl and four-year-old boy escaped serious injury.

Neighbours who alerted emergency services were unable to enter the house because the blaze was too severe.

Mr Middleton is expected to appear in court again next week.