A MAN was taken to hospital after he was shot by police following a seven-hour siege in Kilbirnie on Saturday.

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

At 12.15pm police shot the 24-year-old, who has since been arrested, after he allegedly fired a crossbow at police on the scene.

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

Reports suggest that the man also brandished a machete at officers and locals as well as allegedly throwing items from the house during the incident.

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

“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.”

It is believed that this is the first time a shot has been fired by a police officer since the formation of Police Scotland back in April 2013.