Here's our latest round up of some of the recent crimes in the area as officers continue to appeal for your help following horrific assaults last Saturday night as well as public indecency at the beach earlier this week.

Masked gang attack man and woman in town centre

A young Irvine man and woman were taken to hospital after an unprovoked attack from a masked gang of 10 thugs in Irvine town centre on Saturday night.

The 20-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man were assaulted in East Road car park after leaving a public house on Bank Street by the group who were dressed all in black, and were wearing facemasks.

Police confirmed they are investigating the assault at 11.50pm on Saturday [August 7] - with police appealing for help from the public.

Both victims attended Crosshouse Hospital for treatment to their injuries and were discharged a short time later.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Although not seriously hurt this has been an frightening ordeal for the victims in this apparently unprovoked incident.

Hunt on for beach flasher

A woman witnessed a man carrying out public indecency in the sand dunes while walking her dog.

The woman walking along the footpath next to the golf course at South Beach at around 8.50pm on Wednesday, August 11, before then returning to her car and contacted the police

The suspect is described as white, 5ft6, of average build, with dark hair around neck length and no facial hair. He was wearing a black hat, a black face mask, a black hoodie and dark jeans.

Sergeant Gordon Young said: “This was a very distressing incident for the woman and it is vital that we trace the person responsible.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of South Beach on Thursday evening, and noticed the man described or anything at all suspicious, to please get in touch".

Man assaulted on Number 11 bus

A man in his late 50s was taken to hospital after an assault on a Number 11 bus.

Police confirmed enquiries are ongoing after the incident in the Dreghorn area at 9.10pm on Saturday [August 7] with the man since released following treatment.

A spokesperson said: "At around 9.10pm on Saturday, August 7, officers were called to a report that a 57-year-old man had been assaulted on a bus in Dreghorn. 

"Officers attended and he was taken to Crosshouse Hospital and released after treatment. 

"Police enquiries are ongoing into this assault."

First Minister's sister arrested after alleged domestic assault

A couple have been charged after an alleged domestic incident at a home in Kilwinning.  

The FM's sister, Gill Sturgeon, 46, was arrested on Wednesday [August 11] in connection with an earlier incident last week on Saturday [August 7] where police previously arrested Steven Waite, aged 50.  

Police confirmed to the Times both were since charged and released on undertakings to later appear to face allegations at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date. 

A spokesperson said: "A full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."

Two women sexually assaulted on train

A young man sexually assaulted two women on board a train last month as transport police continue to appeal for witnesses.

Two women were approached by a young man who made lude sexual remarks towards them and sexually assaulted them both at separate times during the journey On Saturday, July 24 on the 7.45pm Ayr to Glasgow Central service.

The man then left the train at Glasgow Central.

He is described as a male aged 16-18, with a tanned complexion and dark curly hair. He was wearing a grey and brown Gucci t-shirt and black shorts.

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact BTP by texting 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 625 of 24/07/21.

Appeal over new clue in Shona Stevens murder

Irvine Times:

Police released fresh details of an item found at the scene of the fatal attack on Shona Stevens in 1994 and are appealing for help from the public.

Shona, 31, was found on a footpath located near to the rear of Alder Green in the Bourtreehill Park area of Irvine on November 10. 

The mum of one had sustained serious head injuries and died in hospital days later.

As part of a recent review into the case by Police Scotland, officers believe this item may be of significance and are asking for the community’s help.

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 - In an emergency always dial 999.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.