POLICE have stepped up patrols after claims a girl was chased home in Kilwinning.

Reports circulated last week that the 19-year-old was followed by a man in the Dirrans area, near Eglinton Park, on Monday, September 19.

It’s claimed that the man was hiding in a bush and chased the girl after she alighted from a bus at around 9pm.

Officers at Ayrshire Police Division confirmed they have increased patrols in the area and have been making door-to-door inquiries. No arrests have been made.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “At midday on September 20, police received a report of a 19 year-old woman having been followed by a man at the Dirrans close to Eglinton Park at around 9pm on September 19.

“Anyone with any information should call Police Scotland on 101."