A woman has been left shaken after a man tried to force entry into a Kilbirnie home after pretending to be a gas engineer. 

Sometime between 6.05pm and 6.20pm on Tuesday, June 8, a man turned up at the home of a 49-year-old woman in Kilbirnie claiming he was there to service the central heating.

Detective Constable James Wales of Saltcoats Police Station said: “The man attempted to force his way into the house but was prevented by the victim, which left her shaken but unhurt by the incident.

“We are keen to trace a man who is described as being around the age of 55, of heavy build with jet black “bowl cut” style hair with a line shaved into the left side. He had a black mustache and goatee beard and was wearing a navy blue fleece jumper, navy blue combat trousers with white paint on his left leg, and black work boots. He has a local accent.

“If anyone knows anyone matching the description or who saw a small white van with roof bars upon it in the area, please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 2716 of June * 2021.“

Officers in North Ayrshire are urging residents to be on their guard against bogus workmen who arrive unannounced at their door.