A man has been released from custody after facing a murder allegation following the death of Paul Cairns.

Martin Crawford, 50, was liberated from custody today [June 5] after his arrest in connection with the shooting in Ardrossan on Sunday, May 25.

Paul Cairns, 42, was gunned down in a house in Nithsdale Road, Ardrossan, on Sunday, May 24, after a man burst in with a firearm before making his escape.

The victim suffered serious injuries and passed away a short time later.

Crawford, of no fixed address, previously faced charges of murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service said he was released pending further enquiries with the case remaining under consideration. 

Co-accused James Ferguson, 42, was fully committed and remanded in custody when he returned to the court on Wednesday [June 3].

The Kilwinning resident entered no plea to charges of murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service said: “The Procurator Fiscal received a report concerning a 50-year-old man in connection with an alleged incident on May 25.

“After full and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, he was liberated from custody pending further inquiries.

“The case against him remains live and under consideration.”