EMERGENCY crews were seen rushing to Saltcoats Promenade this afternoon, Wednesday June 21, following reports of a fire in the area.

And the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has confirmed that crews were responding to a grass fire.

It is understood that the fire broke out at the end of the area best known as 'the slabs' - where the popular walking route meets the Stevenston beach sand dunes.

Eyewitnesses stated that at around 4pm, flames and smoke could be seen billowing from the area - and that the smell of smoke was poignant around Stevenston Cross.

However, the SFRS has since left the area - at around 5pm - after the fire was extinguished.

Police Scotland, which also responded to the reports, remained in the area.

A SFRS spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 3.57pm on Wednesday, June 21 to reports of a grass fire near the beach at Sandylands Promenade, Saltcoats.

"Operations Control mobilised one appliance to the scene to extinguish the fire and make the area safe."

Police Scotland has also been contacted for comment.