A man has been taken to hospital after he was shot by police following an incident in Kilbirnie this afternoon.

Officers were called to an address in Bankfaulds Avenue early this morning after reports of a man barricading himself within a house there.

At 12.15pm police shot a 24-year-old after he allegedly fired a crossbow at police on the scene.

Nobody else was injured in the incident and the man has since been taken to hospital where his condition is not thought to be life threatening. 

Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said in a statement released: "A 24-year-old man has been shot by police following the alleged discharge of a crossbow at officers around 12.15pm this afternoon.

"The man had earlier - around 5.30am - barricaded himself within a property in Bankfaulds Avenue, Kilbirnie.

"He has been taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, for treatment.

"At this time it is not considered that his injuries are serious nor life threatening.

"No other people were injured in the incident which concluded at 12.20pm.

"Police are not seeking anyone else in connection with this incident. Enquires are continuing.

"As is procedure, the matter will be referred to PIRC - Police Investigations and Review Commissioner."