THE Three Towns are to see extra police patrols this week after a series of incidents over the weekend that are believed to be linked - including a report of gunshots being heard in Saltcoats.

The incidents began with damage to a vehicle and a man suffering a head injury, continued with a car on fire, and ended with a report of gunfire.

Officers were called to a report of a disturbance on Eglinton Road, at Dalry Road in Ardrossan, at around 1am on Friday, August 12, where a vehicle was found to have been damaged.

A 20-year-old man was taken to Crosshouse Hospital to be treated for a head injury.

The scene remained taped off and guarded by police on Friday morning.

At around 11pm the same day, officers were called to a report of a car on fire in McDowall Avenue, with no reports of any injuries during this incident.

READ MORE: Police tape off part of Ardrossan road amid 'concern for person'

Finally, at around 7.30pm on Saturday, August 13, officers were called to a report of gunshots being heard on Munro Walk, Saltcoats.

Again, nobody was injured during this incident.

Ayrshire police said enquiries are ongoing into all three incidents, which are being treated as linked.

Detective inspector Stephen McCulloch said: “We believe that these incidents are all linked, and targeted.

"The actions of those involved are extremely reckless and dangerous and it is vital we bring this to a stop.

“One man has already had to attend hospital with a serious injury.

READ MORE: Beach safety warning after child on inflatable unicorn drifts out to sea in Stevenston

“We are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward, think back – were you in any of these areas of Ardrossan or Saltcoats at the time? Did you see or hear anything untoward?

“We would also ask anyone with any dash-cam footage to come forward, you may have captured something that can help us.

“We will have extra patrols across the coming days, anyone with any concerns should speak to an officer or call 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

Anyone with any information about these incidents should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 3605 of Saturday, August 13, 2022.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given in confidence.