A man accused of killing missing Margaret Fleming allegedly told a police officer: "This is going to end up in a murder charge."

Constable Jonathan Gilmour claimed Edward Cairney made the comment after he and a colleague went to the suspect's house in Renfrewshire to look for Ms Fleming.

Cairney, 77, and Avril Jones, 58, deny murdering Ms Fleming at the Inverkip home they shared, between December 18, 1999 and January 5, 2000.

At the High Court in Glasgow today, PC Gilmour said they were asked to investigate on October 28, 2016, after a social worker had been unable to contact Ms Fleming and had raised concerns.

The police officer told the jury the door was answered by Jones who claimed Ms Fleming and Cairney were out.

When eventually joined by Cairney, the suspect stated Ms Fleming had been scared by the police presence and run off.

During questioning, Cairney allegedly became irate and stated: "You know where this is going don't you, Avril. This is going to end up in a murder charge."

Defence QC Thomas Ross argued Cairney never said that.

The jury heard items allegedly belonging to Ms Fleming were recovered; however there was no toothbrush, hairbrush or underwear.

There were also no photographs of Ms Fleming in the house.

PC Gilmour stated in the early stages of a missing person investigation it is normal to ask for personal effects in order to obtain a DNA profile from them.

He said he also asked to see Ms Fleming's birth certificate.

Defence QC Ian Duguid, representing Jones, asked: "Avril Jones was agitated when you suggested she was making up Margaret Fleming. Was there such a discussion?"

PC Gilmour denied the discussion.

Mr Duguid added: "Did you not say 'does she really exist?'"

PC Gilmour replied: "No, she produced a birth certificate."

Another police officer then gave evidence that Jones admitted Ms Fleming's benefits money was paid into her bank account.

Constable Stuart Rintoul claimed Jones said she received between £500 and £1000 a month.

He added: "Avril said it went into her bank account as Margaret didn't have one. She said she gave Edward his bit and Margaret her bit."

The officer was then asked what Jones told him about Margaret, and said: "She said she ate out of a dog bowl."

The court was told when the police visited the property it was just days before Ms Fleming's birthday, yet there was no sign of birthday cards or presents in the house.

Prosecutor Iain McSporran QC asked: "Did you ask what were her habits and where she would visit?"

Rintoul replied: "They said nothing and nowhere and said she didn't leave the house, didn't do anything."

Cairney and Jones deny murdering Ms Fleming by means unknown. They also deny claiming £182,000 in benefits fraud by pretending she was alive.

The trial before Lord Matthews continues.