Riot police attacked by 'hostile' crowd in Auchinleck

Riot police officers came under attack from a "hostile" crowd during large-scale disorder in an East Ayrshire village.

One officer had to be taken to hospital for treatment after being hit by a firework as trouble flared in Auchinleck on Saturday evening.

Footage on social media showed officers in helmets and carrying riot shields as they tried to break up the crowd.

Two homes were also badly damaged in apparent fire-raising attacks.

A fire-damaged house in Heathfield Road, near where the disturbances started

Police Scotland described the attacks on officers as "completely unacceptable".

Det Insp Louise White of Ayrshire Division said: "An investigation is under way following an incident of large-scale disorder in Auchinleck on Saturday, 25 November. Officers were called to reports of a crowd gathered in Old Avenue.

"The crowd moved to other addresses in the area and public order officers attended to assist when the crowd refused to disperse when requested.

"Unfortunately during the incident some of those gathered became extremely hostile towards the police and one officer was struck by a firework and taken to hospital for treatment."

Det Insp White said officers had a duty to ensure the safety of everyone involved in such incidents and added: "This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable".

She said: "Although the crowd later dispersed, our investigation is ongoing to trace those responsible and ensure they are dealt with appropriately.

"This will include reviewing any available video footage."

Police were initially called after a group gathered on Old Avenue

Local councillors Claire Leitch and William Lennox issued a joint statement condemning the night of attacks - particularly those aimed at police officers.

"The community does not deserve the displays of violence and disorder that we saw last night and we will provide support to residents in any way we can," they said.