POLICE Scotland are to be investigated for their handling of the death of Saltcoats man Alan Lawson.

Mr Lawson,, 36, from Saltcoats, died in hospital on Tuesday, February 6.

Police had been called to a property in New England Road in Saltcoats two days earlier.

Two men have since appeared in court in connection with Mr Lawson's death.

It has now been confirmed that Police Scotland's handling of his death is to be investigated by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC), on instruction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

They say they have been asked to launch the investigation after Mr Lawson died "following police contact".

A statement on their website said: "We have been instructed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to investigate the circumstances in the lead up the death of a 36-year-old man on February 6 following police contact in Saltcoats on February 4, 2024.

"At the conclusion of our investigation a report will be sent to COPFS."