The family of a woman killed in her own home have said she will be "sorely missed" by all who knew and loved her.
Popular Carol Milne was found dead in her ground-floor flat in Aberdeen 's Clifton Road at 4.30am on Thursday.
The mother-of-two was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics and Police Scotland's Major Inquiry Team was called in to carry out a probe into the death.
In a statement through Police Scotland her family said: "Carol was well-known and loved by many, and will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved her. We would ask that our privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult and sad time."
Within hours, police said a man had been arrested in connection with the incident which they described as "contained".
A 24-year-old man has now been charged in connection with her death and is expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday.
Detective Inspector Gary Winter, who has been leading the inquiry, said: "I would once again like to thank local residents for their patience while officers have been in the area. Thank you also to those who have assisted with our enquiries so far.
“I continue to urge anyone with information about this incident who has not yet spoken to the Police to contact 101 quoting reference number 0473 of July 11."
Neighbours spoke of their shock and said Carol and her husband Norman were a quiet couple who kept to themselves.
As police carried out searches in the area, Bill Davidson said he was stunned by what had happened.
He said Carol, who turned 59 on June 30, worked at a Marks & Spencer branch in nearby Bridge of Don.
Bill, 86, said one of her colleagues turned up on her doorstep when she had failed to appear for work yesterday.
He said: "A woman drove up because she was concerned Carol hadn't turned up for work.
"She was very worried about her because it was so out of character. It's a shock. Carol was nice. It's not the kind of thing you expect to happen round here."
Carol, from Keith, Banffshire, married Norman, 57, in Rothes in September 1988. The couple have two sons.
