A boy aged 15 was taken to hospital after being attacked by a group of youngsters on the sand dunes in Irvine on Saturday.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the teenager was seriously assaulted in an attack involving a group of youths at Irvine Beach Park at around 5pm yesterday [Saturday, June 4].

The 15-year-old was taken to University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock for treatment, where he remains.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Detective Inspector Stuart Dougan said: “This will have been a very frightening experience for the victim. The beach has been very busy this weekend and I would ask any witnesses who were in the area at the time, or anyone with information about the incident, to please get in touch.

“Additional officers are carrying out patrols to provide reassurance as people gather to enjoy the nice weather.”

Saltcoats CID can be contacted via 101, quoting reference 4680 of 4 June. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.