A PENSIONER was in police custody last night after being arrested following the death of his wife.

Ian Bryson, 73, was held by officers who had attended an incident at the home Mr Bryson shared with his wife May.

Mrs Bryson, who was also 73, died as a result of a disturbance at her home Bellshill, Lanarkshire, on Wednesday.

It is believed a home help who had been due to visit the Brysons called police to the Bryson's address in Rowanden Avenue at around 8.30am.

Yesterday uniformed police remained on guard outside the Bryson's semi-detached home.

Police said relatives had been informed and a full report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Mr Bryson was held by police and was expected to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday.

Mrs Bryson's death has sent shockwaves around the tight knit community of Bellshill where she was well known.

Next door neighbour Cathie Coleman, 70, said: "I lived beside them for 12 years and they always seemed like a very nice couple.

"They were lovely really, very nice so this comes as quite a big shock.

"All I know is that the home help came to the door and she was the one who raised the alarm and phoned the police.

"I do know neither of them have been keeping well. May has a history of heart problems and Ian only recently came out of the hospital due to health problems.

"I spoke to Ian on Monday and he was fine, just blethering away and May had been out walking the dog as she does everyday."

Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "I heard that the home help had went to the door in the morning but couldn't get into the house."

Last night a Strathclyde Police spokeswoman added: "A 73 year old woman has died following an incident in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, on Wednesday 29 October.

"A 73 year old man has been arrested and is presently detained in connection with the death."