Liam was just two when he was found dead at the family home

A mother and her civil partner have been charged over the death of an autistic toddler.

Liam Fee was just two when his body was discovered in a flat in Thornton, Fife, in March.

Today his mother, Rachel and her civil partner Nyomi Fee appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court charged in connection with his death.

The women, aged 30 and 27 respectively, lived at the flat with Liam and his twin siblings.

Neighbours claimed the family had nine snakes, rats and dogs in the home.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'Two women have been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a two-year-old boy in Fife earlier this year.

'Liam Fee was pronounced dead at his home in Thornton on Saturday 22nd March and a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death has been ongoing.

'The women aged 30 and 27 are scheduled to appear at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court today.'

A family statement released at the time of Liam’s death said: 'Liam was a happy-go-lucky little boy, with blond hair, big blue eyes and a cheeky smile.

'He was very much loved by his family and will be deeply missed.

'Liam had his whole life ahead of him and we are devastated at our loss.

The infant, pictured with his father (right), is thought to have lived in the flat with his mother, her civil partner and his twin brothers who were seven at the time of his death

'We would like to thank our friends for their continued support and for all the teddies and flowers left as a tribute to Liam outside the family home, which has provided us with some comfort.