A STIRLING man has been charged with rape following an alleged assault in the city last weekend.

Stephen Mills appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court this afternoon after he was arrested by police.

He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

The 28-year-old will re-appear for a full committal hearing within the next eight days.

Officers issued an appeal earlier this week after a 19-year-old woman reported being attacked in the Linden Avenue area of Stirling.

Detectives described the incident as an "extremely frightening ordeal" for the woman and carried out high-visibility patrols in the area in a bid to reassure residents.

Police then issued a statement today (Friday) following the arrest.

A spokesperson confirmed: "Following a previous appeal, Police Scotland can confirm that a 28-year-old man has been charged in connection with the serious sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in the Linden Avenue area of Stirling on Sunday, September 15, 2019.

"A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal and he is due to appear at Stirling Sheriff Court today (Friday, September 20)."