AN infamous double murder case solved by pioneering Scottish forensic experts is to be turned into a TV drama.

The series will tell the story of Dr Buck Ruxton who murdered his wife and maid and scattered their bodies in Moffat, Dumfriesshire, in September 1935.

The case became known as 'The Jigsaw Murders' after police later discovered 70 body parts nearby including two severed heads. Teeth and fingerprints had been removed by the killer to prevent identification.

Suspicion fell on Dr Buck Ruxton, of Lancaster, whose Scottish wife Isabella, and their maid, Mary Rogerson, had been reported missing by their families.

It was a landmark case for forensic science and the first in which insects helped solve a crime.

Scientists from Edinburgh and Glasgow universities examined maggots found on the bodies to determine the date of the killings and painstakingly reconstructed the victims bodies..

The TV series will be based on author Jeremy Craddock's book The Jigsaw Murders: The True Story of the Ruxton Killings and the Birth of Modern Forensics, which is due to be published next year.

It will be made by Tod Productions and STV Productions.

Elaine Collins, managing-director of Tod Productions, said: "Jeremy Craddock is a hugely talented writer, who is not only determined to excavate this brutal story and the consequent scientific breakthroughs that still influence today?s forensics, but to give an unprecedented voice to Buxton?s female victims.

"I'm excited to develop this complex and multi-layered crime story for television, to give presence to the victims, and to dramatise the characteristically brilliant scientists at work in 1930s Scotland."

Mr Craddock, a journalism lecturer, said: "I am absolutely thrilled that The Jigsaw Murders has been optioned for TV by Elaine Collins and Tod Productions. I am a huge fan of her work, especially Shetland and Vera, and I feel privileged that she has seen potential in my work.

"This is a story that has haunted me since I was a child, a landmark case that changed the way forensic pathologists help to solve murders.

"Most previous accounts focus solely on the lurid aspects, ignoring the human drama behind it all. My book - and hopefully a TV drama - will tell the full story of the people behind the sensational headlines for the first time.”

Indian-born Ruxton is thought to have strangled his wife in a jealous rage and then murdered his maid after she witnessed the killing.

The 36-year-old was found guilty of the murders and hanged in May 1936.

David Mortimer, managing director of STV Productions, said: “We’re thrilled to have Tod as part of the STV Productions family and The Jigsaw Murders is a fantastic addition to their already strong development slate of distinctive, high quality shows.

“There’s a real appetite for true crime based drama." and we’re delighted Elaine Collins at Tod has seen the huge potential in this exciting new work, which we know will hold tremendous appeal.”