Police Scotland is facing an independent investigation into its response to a call which led to the discovery of the body of an 88-year-old man.

Officers went to a property in Adelphi Place, in the Portobello area of Edinburgh, on Sunday after concern was raised about the welfare of the occupants.

After forcing entry to the home, they discovered the body of 88-year-old Douglas Iggulden. His 89-year-old wife, Elizabeth, was found seriously ill and she remains in hospital.

The Crown Office has directed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to look into Police Scotland's initial response to the call to that address.

It is understood the probe centres around the timing of the police response.

A spokesman for the PIRC said: "The Commissioner has been instructed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to carry out an independent investigation into the initial response by Police Scotland to a call to attend at a residential address in Portobello on Sunday 27 September 2015.

"Following a report of concern about the welfare of the occupants at the property, officers arrived to find the body of an 88-year-old man and a seriously ill 89-year-old woman, who remains in hospital.

"A report on the Commissioner's findings will be submitted to the COPFS in due course."

A Crown Office spokesman said: "The Crown Office has instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of an 88-year-old man and serious injury to a 89-year-old woman in Portobello."

The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) said it has received a briefing from Police Scotland on the incident and has requested further information and assurances from the force on its response.

SPA chief executive John Foley said: "SPA will review with Police Scotland any further implications or immediate action required.

"The PIRC are now investigating the circumstances of this specific case and SPA will await the outcome of the PIRC investigation, and ensure that any subsequent findings or recommendations are fully considered by Police Scotland and subject to SPA oversight."

Last week it emerged that the PIRC is also reviewing a case in which a possible sighting of a missing 88-year-old woman was not followed up by officers.

Janet McKay's body was discovered in Clydebank more than a week after she was seen leaving her home in the Knightswood area of Glasgow.