A 19-year-old man is in a 'critical' condition in hospital after an attempted murder in Kilwinning.

Police received a report of disturbance in a lane at the rear of Ladyford Avenue at around 2.30am on Saturday, May 22.

Emergency services attended and a 19-year-old man was taken to Crosshouse hospital.  Medical staff describe his condition as critical.  

Enquiries carried out so far have revealed that following a disturbance within an address in Ladyford Avenue, a number of male and female youths, aged between 16 and 20, were in the street and adjacent lane, with a lot of shouting going on.

Before police got to the scene, the group had ran off.

Cops are treating the incident as attempted murder and are now appealing for information. They are also reviewing CCTV footage for any additional information.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Carr said: “A group of youths were involved in a disturbance in a lane at the rear of properties in Ladyford Avenue, so I’m sure people will have heard or seen the disturbance.

"I would appeal to local residents who have any information about this incident to contact us. Any small piece of information could prove vital so please do pass it on.

"We are conducting extra patrols in the vicinity and want to reassure the public that extensive enquiries are ongoing by dedicated officers.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0504 of 22 May, 2021. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.