A MAN has been arrested in connection with "approaching a child" on the beach in Ardrossan.

It comes after reports on social media that a man had allegedly tried to "lift a woman's child" as she walked hand and hand with them on Ardrossan beach earlier this week.

A post on Facebook claimed that the woman was walking past a group of males as she looked to find a space to sit on the beach near South Beach Road on Monday, May 29.

The post claimed that a male had tried to lift the child, but was unable to do so as the child's mother was still holding on to them.

The post was made on social media in an effort to ensure others heading to the beach remained vigilant, and it was understood that the incident was reported to Police Scotland.

When approached by the Herald, the force was able to confirm that an arrest had been made in relation to the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.40pm on Monday, May 29, 2023, officers received a report of a man approaching a child on South Beach Road, Ardrossan.

“A 38-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident, and a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.”