Man facing murder charges after woman set on fire

A MAN who allegedly set fire to a woman causing potentially life-threatening injuries has appeared in court charged with attempted murder.

The man was charged with attempted murder over the incident. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Stewart John Watson appeared on petition at Livingston Sheriff Court on Monday.

He was charged following an investigation into an alleged incident at a house in Polbeth, West Lothian, in which a female was seriously injured.

Detectives have been probing claims she was doused with a flammable liquid which was then ignited.

It is understood the woman – who suffered serious burns to her face and upper body – has been detained in hospital.

She has reportedly been placed in an artificially induced coma to allow her injuries to respond to treatment.

Watson, 35, from West Calder, West Lothian, was charged with attempting to murder the woman by assaulting her to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment.

He is also charged with causing a disturbance by behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person fear or alarm.

He made no plea or declaration and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.