An attempted murder investigation has been launched in Kilwinning today following an early-morning disturbance which has left a teenager critically ill in hospital.
The emergency services were called to the rear of the town's Ladyford Avenue at 2.30am with the 19-year-old discovered and taken to Kilmarnock's Crosshouse Hospital.
His condition has been described as "critical" by medical staff with police treating the incident as an attempted murder.
Increased police patrols have been deployed to reassure the local community as "extensive enquiries" are carried out by officers.
Detectives are this afternoon seeking information as they try to establish exactly what happened.
CCTV footage is being scoured in the hunt for clues and local residents with information are being encouraged to get in touch.
Enquiries 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.
The group ran off from the area prior to the arrival of the police.
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, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
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