Human remains found in burned-out van parked in layby

The van and human remains were found on a road between Priestland and Darvel

Human remains have been found in a burned-out van in East Ayrshire.

The van was discovered on fire in a layby on a single track road in Newmilns at about 12:00 on Monday.

Emergency services were sent to the scene between Priestland and Darvel in Galston Moor - known locally as Monk Belt or Mast Walk.

Police said formal identification of the remains has yet to take place and that the death is being treated as unexplained.

Det Insp Craig Gilmour said it was unclear why the van was parked in the layby or how it came to be on fire.

He said: "It is vital anyone with information comes forward.

“The area is very picturesque and popular with walkers and dog walkers, and it's thought a number of vehicles will have passed by the scene at the time."

He urged anyone with information or who was in the area around the time of the fire to get in touch via the Police Scotland non-emergency line.

“I would also ask if you heard any loud noises, or any motorists with dashcam footage which could be of significance, to please get in touch," he added.