A man will appear in court today after a woman was found dead in an Aberdeen city centre flat.
The 25-year-old was charged in connection with the incident early yesterday, and police said he is expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today.
It comes after the woman, named locally as 36-year-old Jessica McGraa, was discovered in a property on Union Terrace on Friday.
A murder investigation was launched, with detectives trawling through hours of CCTV and quizzing neighbours to try and piece together what happened.
They also revealed they thought she was involved in prostitution, and appealed for other sex trade workers to come forward with any information they may have – while also urging them to be vigilant.
A police spokesman said yesterday: “In relation to the investigation following the death of a woman in Union Terrace, Police Scotland can confirm that a 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with this matter.
“A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”
Neighbours said the woman had only moved into the block, which is between the TSB and Caledonian Hotel, three days before her death.
After the woman was found, detectives and forensic officers spent the weekend searching the flat for evidence.
A police incident van remained parked outside the property, while an unmarked car also guarded the back.
Officers also consulted with support groups across the country who support those involved in the sex trade, and who work to end violence against workers.
UPDATE: Police have said they “strongly believe” the dead woman as Jessica McGraa, from London.
Formal identification is yet to take place.
Detective Superintendent David McLaren, from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, has now appealed for anyone who saw or spoke to Jessica in the days before her death to contact the police.
He said: “In particular, I am appealing for anyone who was in Jessica’s company or who spoke to her on Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10, Thursday 11 or Friday 12 of February to come forward as a matter of urgency.
“Piecing together the events leading up to her body being discovered on Friday afternoon is crucial to our investigation.
“Jessica is also believed to have sometimes used the name “Bianca”, so this may be a name that people are familiar with.
“Although a man has been arrested and charged we continue to gather evidence and would appeal for anyone who has information to contact us.”