Image copyright Other Image caption Mikaeel's body was found in Kirkcaldy following a massive search operation

The mother of three-year-old Mikaeel Kular has appeared in court charged with his murder.

Rosdeep Kular, 33, appeared in private at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, charged under her married name of Adekoya.

She is also accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice. She made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

Mikaeel was reported missing from his home in Edinburgh last Thursday, prompting a major search.

His body was found 20 miles away in Kirkcaldy, Fife, late on Friday.

The private hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court lasted only a few minutes and no media or members of the public were present.

Image caption There was a heavy police presence as a van left Edinburgh Sheriff Court after Rosdeep Kular's appearance

The case was continued for further examination, with another court appearance expected on 28 January.

Forensic officers have been continuing their investigations at the site where Mikaeel's body was discovered.

His body was removed from woodland behind a property in the town's Dunvegan Avenue at the weekend.

A house in the street was searched, along with an area of woodland to the rear and side of the property.

Ms Kular and her five children had previously lived at the address. A neighbour told the BBC that Mikaeel and his twin sister were born while the family was living there.

Mikaeel was reported missing from his home in Ferry Gait Crescent, Edinburgh, at about 07:15 on Thursday morning.

More than 200 volunteers from the community joined the emergency services in a huge search operation for the young boy.

Hundreds of people gathered at Muirhouse St Andrew's Church in Edinburgh on Saturday evening for a service in Mikaeel's memory.

Many also left flowers and soft toys and lit candles outside his home in Edinburgh.