UPDATE: Police have confirmed that William Brown has now been traced.

POLICE have issued an urgent appeal to help trace a pensioner who has been reported missing from Saltcoats.

William Brown, 76, was last seen at around 1pm today, Thursday September 21, in the Longfield Avenue area of the town.

Police say that William then left the area on foot and was heading in the direction of the A738 High Road.

Officers say the are eager to trace the pensioner "as soon as possible" as he requires regular medication which he does not have with him at present.

William is described as 6ft 1in tall, of slim to medium build, with short grey hair.

He is clean shaven and when last seen was wearing a cream-coloured waterproof jacket and navy coloured trousers. He may be in possession of a small, half moon-shaped, bag.

William is also believed to be in possession of his bus pass, and may have headed towards Irvine Golf Club.

Inspector William Deans said: “We have a number of officers searching for William in the Saltcoats and Ardrossan areas and would ask any members of the public who may have seen him, or a man matching his description, to report sightings to us.

“William requires regular medication which he does not have with him and we are eager to trace him as soon as possible.

“Those with information should call Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 1917 of 21 September.”