Grange fire murder accused appears in court

A MAN has appeared in court charged with murder following a blaze in an affluent neighbourhood.

Frank Moore, 43, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday accused of murder and attempted murder. He made no plea and was remanded in custody.

Stewart Taylor, 33, and Lynsey Methven, 30, were found by firefighters after they were called to a blaze in Chalmers Crescent in The Grange area of Edinburgh on Monday.

When they arrived, Mr Taylor was already dead and police said he had suffered "significant head injuries".

Ms Methven, who reportedly worked at a William Hill bookmakers in Edinburgh, was unconscious and seriously injured.

She was rescued from the smoke-filled flat by firefighters and revived. She has since been recovering in an induced coma.

Mr Stewart's family said in a statement: "Anyone who knew Stewart will understand the indescribable loss we have suffered.

"He was deeply loved by his family and many friends, who have all been left completely devastated by his death.

"We will remember him for his positive outlook on life and his desire to do the best in his career as a chef.

"This tragic loss will leave a huge hole in our family, but we will cherish the happy memories we have. Stewart will stay in our hearts forever."

Firefighters immediately called police to the scene on Monday morning, and a section of the street was cordoned off as investigations began. Forensic tests of the property were carried out, interviews conducted door-to-door, and local CCTV scanned for information.

Police also appealed for information about a "scruffy" man who was seen driving away from the scene in a white van.They described the man as a "significant" person to the inquiry.

Neighbours told police they had heard a disturbance in the flat shortly before the fire was spotted and the emergency services were called.

Meanwhile, the injured woman's father, John Methven, has spoken of his shock at seeing the extent of his daughter's injuries after visiting her in hospital.

"Lynsey hasn't regained consciousness since this happened," he said.

"She's been put in an induced coma because of her injuries and she's being fed through a tube.

"A plastic surgeon came from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, on Monday night to operate.

"Lynsey has a broken nose, two broken cheekbones, and cuts to her lips.

"Her lips have two wounds which the doctors say may have been caused by a knife, as well as cuts on her legs that need stitches.

"She looks like she may have had her face smashed against a wall or hit with a baseball bat."

Police said the two victims were boyfriend and girlfriend.

A police spokesman said: "A 43-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Stewart Taylor in Edinburgh, on Monday.

"The same individual has also been charged in connection with the attempted murder of a 30-year-old woman."

Moore, from Dalkeith, also faces a charge of breaching the peace.