Gunshots heard after 'linked' incidents in Ardrossan and Saltcoats as man taken to hospital

Gunshots were heard prior to a man being found injured during a series of linked incidents in North Ayrshire.

The 20-year-old was discovered with a head wound at around 1am on Friday, August 12 by officers attending a call on Eglinton Road, at Dalry Road in Ardrossan.

It came less than 24 hours before a car fire on McDowall Avenue in the town, before, on Saturday, August 13, gunshots were reported in the Munro Place area of Saltcoats.

Investigators now believe all three incidents to be linked following an initial probe.

No one was injured in the car fire, which took place at 11pm, or the third incidents, reported to have happened at around 7.30pm.

A vehicle was also damaged in the initial incident, police said.

The injured man was taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock for further treatment but his current condition is unknown.

Detective inspector Stephen McCulloch said additional patrols would be placed in the area while the investigation was ongoing.

He said: “We believe that these incidents are all linked, and targeted. The actions of those involved are extremely reckless and dangerous and it is vital we bring this to a stop.

“One man has already had to attend hospital with a serious injury.

“We are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward, think back – were you in any of these areas of Ardrossan or Saltcoats at the time? Did you see or hear anything untoward?”

He added: “We would also ask anyone with any dash-cam footage to come forward, you may have captured something that can help us.”

Anyone with any information about these incidents should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 3605 of Saturday, August 13. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given in confidence.