Two men broke into a property as a family slept and attacked a man in an attempt to steal car keys.

Police are appealing for information after the assault with an attempt to rob incident in Irvine on Thursday.

At around 4am two men entered a property in Dickson Drive where a 27-year-old man, his 29-year-old partner and four-year-old child were sleeping within.

The 27-year-old man awoke and went to confront the men who threatened him demanded he hand over his car keys.

An altercation took place and the two men left empty handed, heading along Dickson Drive.

Emergency services were called and the victim was taken to Crosshouse Hospital for treatment to leg injuries. He has since been released.

The suspects are described as having English accents. One was wearing a red t-shirt, the other was wearing a white t-shirt and both had scarves covering their faces.

Detective Constable Jennifer Carruth from Saltcoats CID said: “The two despicable individuals broke into a family home with weapons and threatened the householder with violence.

“This type of abhorrent behaviour will not be tolerated and enquiries are ongoing to trace whoever is responsible.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in Dickson Drive in the early hours of Thursday morning to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Saltcoats CID via 101, quoting incident number 0427 of Thursday 31 May 2018. Alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.”