A man has been charged over alleged robberies in Ayr and Prestwick and possession of a firearm.

Mathew Sharkey, 29, faced six charges when he appeared before Ayr Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Sharkey, of Kirkcaldy, faced three charges of assault and robbery, one charge of theft by shoplifting, one of possession of a firearm with intent to injure and one of use of a firearm to resist arrest.

The robberies were alleged to have occurred at Crumbs and Cocktails in Smith Street on March 4, Premier Stores on Ayr's Main Road on March 1 and Ayr Road, Prestwick on March 4.

Sharkey entered no plea when he appeared in court. 

The case was continued for further examination and Sharkey was remanded in custody.

He will return to court at a later date.