A FIVE-FIGURE reward is beign offered for anyone who comes forward with "key information" on the serious assault of a police officer in Stevenston.

A 30-year-old female officer was stabbed in the town's Arthur Street  on Wednesday, October 18.

She was attending, along with two other officers, reports of a break-in at a property in the street in the early hours of that morning.

The woman was taken to hospital in Glasgow in a "critical" condition - but was later released.

In the days and weeks that followed, a massive investigation was launched into the incident, which was branded "deplorable" by Ayrshire's top officer.

A large police presence was visible in the area for weeks following the attack with officers also conducting a 'stop and interview' operation in Arthur Street around the time.

Teams were also seen scouring an area of grass and woodland in Burnbank Street over a number of days after having areas of shrubbery cut back by North Ayrshire Council.

Detectives set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information - available at mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S35-PO1 - though Police Scotland have yet to confirm any arrests in connection with the stabbing.

The Crimestoppers charity has now come forward to offer a reward for anyone who may have key information on the case.

The organisation, which allows people to speak up about crime anonymously, are offering a reward of £20,000.

A spokesperson said: "Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for key information on the serious assault of a police officer, who was stabbed during the early hours of Wednesday, 18 October in North Ayrshire.

"The officer, who is 30 years old, was stabbed while investigating the incident at a property on Arthur Street, Stevenston, North Ayrshire.

"Did you see something?

"Our charity, which is independent of the police, is supporting this investigation by offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information we exclusively receive anonymously which leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone linked to the assault of the police officer."

Anyone wishing to submit information to Crimestoppers can contact them anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at https://bit.ly/46w8WT6.