Tributes have been paid to a man found dead at a property in Clydebank as his wife appeared in court charged with his alleged murder.

William Middleton, 38, was pronounced dead at the Singer Street address when cops attended at around 3.50am last Friday.

His wife, Lorna Middleton, appeared in private at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Monday charged with his alleged murder and with behaving in a threatening and abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear and alarm.

The 34-year-old made no plea or declaration in respect of either charge.

The case was continued for further examination and Ms Middleton was remanded in custody.

William’s older sister, Martine Weir, said she was “heartbroken” at the loss of her brother, known as Billy.

She led tributes on Facebook, saying: “Yesterday my whole world was shattered for me and my family as my wee brother was found dead.

“He will always be in my thoughts and heart, forever my wee brother. RIP William Middleton.”

Friends of Billy, originally from Dumbarton, extended their condolences on the sudden death.

One wrote: “Sending massive hugs to you all. Thinking of you all. RIP Billy.”

A second said: “Just devastated for you all. So many amazing memories we had together.”

Another added: “My condolences to you all. Billy was a cracking guy.”

Detective Inspector Erin Renwick, of Police Scotland’s major investigation team, said: “A police presence will remain in the area for the time being to allow enquiries to be carried out.

“This incident is now being treated as murder.

“Although this happened in the early hours of the morning, I would urge that if you have any information surrounding this incident to get in contact with officers.

“Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 quoting incident number 0719 of Friday, June 26 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”