A MAN is facing a charge of attempted murder following a police incident in Irvine earlier this week.

Brian Stephens was arrested on Tuesday afternoon (July 12) after armed officers swarmed the Middleton Road area of the town, between Girdle Toll and Bourtreehill, in response to reports of a disturbance.

Police Scotland confirmed the 30-year-old had later been charged, and the accused appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday).

Mr Stephens, of no fixed abode, is charged with wilful fire-raising, danger to life, and attempted murder.

He is also accused of assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement, whilst in possession of a bladed weapon.

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Mr Stephens is also accused of acting in a threatening or abusive manner.

He made no plea and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody. He will return to court within the next eight days.

A Police Scotland spokesperson told the Times yesterday: “Around 3pm on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, police received reports of a disturbance on Middleton Road, Irvine.

“A 37-year-old man was taken by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he remains receiving treatment.

"This was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider public."