A Irvine support worker who was stabbed at Ailsa Hospital is being treated for serious injuries.

Donna Maxwell, 42, was attacked in the car park of the drug addiction services area of the hospital in Ayr yesterday (Thursday) at around 10am.

The Times understands that the incident was unprovoked, and that the attacker picked on the worker at random after initially looking for another staff member.

It is believed that Donna made her way back into the building with the knife still lodged in her.

Insiders at the scene explained they had been told to “stay inside” and that the “hospital was on lockdown” after the incident had occurred.

Another individual said: “We were told there had been a serious attack, but we weren’t sure where or what had happened, we were urged to stay inside until further notice.”

Police are still urging anyone with any information to get in contact.

She is described as being around 5'2" to 5'3" in height, slight build and pale complexion. She was wearing a dark woolly hat and a dark jacket.

Superintendent Brian Shaw said: "I am urging anyone who witnessed the attack to get in touch with us. I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around 10am and has information about a woman who was seen leaving the area shortly after the 42-year-old woman was stabbed.

"She is described as being around 5'2" to 5'3" in height, slight build and pale complexion. She was wearing a dark woolly hat and a dark jacket. If you recognise her description or have information about her identity please call Police Scotland via 101. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Incident 0923 of 22 November 2018 refers.

"It is important that the public is aware that the hospital is open as normal. Officers remain at the hospital and we have increased high-visibility patrols in the area to reassure patients, staff and the wider public." 

"Officers are reviewing CCTV and carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the area in an effort to identify the woman responsible."

If you recognise her description or have information about her identity, please call Police Scotland via 101. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Incident 0923 of 22 November 2018 refers.