A WOMAN faces charges of assault, threatening behaviour and allegedly trying to steal a dog in Irvine after she was arrested near the town centre.

Nadia Shabbanna Johnstone, 23, appeared from custody yesterday [Thursday, May 12] after an alleged incident in Clark Drive at around 2.30pm on Wednesday [May 11] which led to an arrest near Mamma's chip shop.

Ms Johnstone is alleged to have entered a home without invitation, then refused to leave while behaving in an aggressive manner towards a man and woman.

It's alleged she shouted swore and threatened the woman with violence and threatened to take her dog.

The charge states Ms Johnstone, of Heatherstane Way, Irvine, continued to act in an aggressive manner and swore while brandishing a knife towards the man.

She faces a second charge alleging that she then stole the dog, and a third charge of assault by allegedly pushing the lady and causing her to collide with a wall.

Ms Johnstone, represented by defence solicitor Peter Murray, pleaded not guilty to the three charges when she appeared from custody at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.

Bail was granted on the condition she not contact witnesses, not enter Clark Drive and stick to a 7pm-7am curfew.

She will return to court to face the allegations at a later date.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 23-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with theft and assault which happened at Clark Drive, Irvine at around 2.30pm on Wednesday, May 11. 

"Enquiries are ongoing.”

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 - in an emergency always dial 999