Gunshots were heard in a North Ayrshire street the day after a car was set on fire and a man suffered a serious head injury in a neighbouring town.
Police have this afternoon revealed the astonishing details of a trio of incidents they believe to be linked and targeted in Ardrossan and Saltcoats.
And detectives blasted the behaviour of those involved – labelling it as "extremely reckless" – as they launched an investigation and an appeal for information.
The drama began around 1am on Friday morning when officers were called to a disturbance on Eglinton Road at Dalry Road in Ardrossan.
A 20-year-old man was found with a head injury and taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock for treatment. A vehicle had also been damaged.
Later that same day, around 11pm, police were out again in Ardrossan following reports of a car fire on McDowall Avenue. Nobody was injured during this incident.
Then on Saturday night, around 7.30pm, officers responded after gunshots were heard on Munro Walk, Saltcoats. Police confirmed no injuries.
Detective Inspector Stephen McCulloch 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?
“We would also ask anyone with any dash-cam footage to come forward, you may have captured something that can help us.
“We will have extra patrols across the coming days, anyone with any concerns should speak to an officer or call 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
Anyone with any information about these incidents should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 3605 of Saturday, 13 August, 2022.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given in confidence.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
