A RETIRED fire fighter has appeared in court charged with the murder of his 70-year-old wife.

Eileen Thomson died in hospital nine days after an incident at her sheltered housing complex home in Melrose.

Her husband David Thomson, who is 69, appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court accused of her murder.

He made no plea and was fully committed for trial.

Thomson - who gave an address in Elgin, Moray , - was released on bail by Sheriff KevinDrummond.

Police were called to an address at Priorwood Court, on Sunday, April 9, following a report of concern about Mrs Thomson.

She was taken to Borders General Hospital for treatment but died on Tuesday.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland Mrs Thomson's family said: "Eileen was the heart of our family and her tragic passing has left us all devastated.

"We are fully supportive of Police Scotland's investigation into the circumstances of her death and ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time."

DCI Stephen Healy of Police Scotland said: "We understand that Eileen's death will be felt keenly throughout the local community.

"This is a tragic loss for Eileen's family and friends and our thoughts are with them as they come to terms with this bereavement.

"Although we are investigating the circumstances surrounding Eileen's death, we are treating this as an isolated incident and are not looking to speak to anyone else."