Police tackled an alleged opportunistic thief while responding to a blaze beneath Irvine’s Bridgegate.

Police responded to the incident at Cash Generators at around 4.40pm on Wednesday, after emergency services were alerted to a fire beneath Ruby Tuesday’s.

Firefighters were seen running a hose into the former Ruby Tuesday's site with the area leading to the stairs from the Bridgegate taped off.

A man was arrested after an alleged opportunistic theft – understood to be the theft of a banknote from an individual.

A spokesperson said: "At around 4.40pm police attended an incident at Cash Generators, Bridgegate.

"A male responsible for an opportunistic theft was traced by officers nearby. He was held in custody for court today."

"We were alerted by Scottish Fire and Rescue to a fire at Ruby Tuesdays, which was later traced to a small rubbish fire in the loading bay at West Road, suspected to be wilful fireraising. Inquiries are ongoing.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We recieved a call at 3.40pm to a report of smoke in the area.

"We mobilised four fire appliances and there have been no casualties."