An Irvine woman has complained over security at the Rivergate after she said she witnessed a teenage boy being punched in front of large gang of teenagers last week.

Police confirmed they are investigating the alleged incident on Friday night and will be stepping up patrols in the Rivergate.

Posting on the Rivergate's Facebook page Terri Hammond said: “Walking through the mall not even 20 minutes ago only to witness a 14-year-old boy being punched around in front of a gang of 40 odd teenagers!

“Not one person helped that wee boy! Luckily for him me and my friend couldn’t just walk past and allow that to happen!

"When we did help him that’s when the security staff decided to say that the police were on their way!

“You’ll be happy to know that me and my friend got the boy on the bus safe and well so he could go home! Whilst trying to stop the rest of that group from getting to him.”

She added: “Why were that amount of children allowed to sit in the mall in the first place drinking and smoking and causing hassle for the public?”

A spokesperson for the Rivergate told us they were unable to comment at this time. 

Chief Inspector Brian Shaw, Area Commander for North Ayrshire, said: "In response to an outbreak of disorder involving youths on Friday evening at the Rivergate Centre, police are now investigating an alleged assault and enquiries are ongoing.

"The locality policing team for Irvine will be undertaking additional patrols in the area around the Rivergate in response to local concerns."