A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an altercation in Saltcoats on Tuesday night.
Police confirmed that they had arrested the teenager this afternoon after extensive enquiries.
The 66-year-old victim of the attack remains in Crosshouse Hospital where his condition is still being described as critical.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "A 16-year-old man has been arrested and is currently detained in police custody in connection with the alleged attempted murder.
"A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."
It is understood that the teenager will appear at court tomorrow.
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