A man has been charged in connection with the death of a woman who has not been seen for 12 days.

Emma Faulds, 39, was last seen at about 9.10pm on 28 Aprilin Fairfield Park, Monkton, South Ayrshire. Her body has not yet been found.

Police said a 39-year-old man had been arrested and charged in connection with her death.

The man is expected to appear at Ayr sheriff court on Friday and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Specialist officers have been searching properties in the Monkton area and detectives have reviewed CCTV in an effort to piece together Faulds’ movements. They have also been carrying out a forensic examination of her car.

The care worker was reported missing to police after failing to get in touch with family or friends, who said it was completely out of character. They also said it was alarming that she had left her beloved west highland terrier at home.

Police said she was a sociable, outgoing person, and that those who knew her were distraught at not knowing where she was or what might have happened to her.