'Despicable' thieves broke into sleeping man's flat

Police are hunting for two ‘despicable’ thieves who broke into a man’s flat while he was sleeping before assaulting him.

Around 1.30am on Friday, two men forced their way into a flat on Knockinlaw Mount in Onthank, Kilmarnock.

The thieves proceeded to assault the 51-year-old man with a weapon before stealing a three-figure sum of cash and a mobile phone.

The victim told a neighbour what happened later that morning and police were contacted.

Following initial enquiries, it has been established that the two men were also involved in a housebreaking around 2am at a block of flats in Tourhill Road. Nothing was stolen during this incident.

The first suspect is described as early 20s, 5ft 8, of skinny build, wearing a dark jacket with the hood up, and possibly a red and blue scarf covering his lower face.

The second suspect is described as early 20s, 5ft 10, of heavy build, with short dark hair and light growth on his face. He was wearing a silver puffer jacket.

Detective Constable Kevin Simpson from Kilmarnock CID said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace these despicable individuals and I am appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

“If you were in the Onthank area in the early hours of Friday morning and noticed two men matching the above descriptions, or anything at all suspicious, please get in touch.

“I would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were on the surrounding roads at the time to check their footage in case they have managed to capture anything which could be of significance.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 1254 of Friday, 19 March. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”