SHOCKING new figures reveal that as of February this year, 340 paedophiles, rapists and sex pests are currently known to be living in Ayrshire.

Figures, released by Police Scotland under the Freedom of Information Act, state there are currently 13 registered sex offenders living in Cumnock.

There are currently 13 registered sex offenders living in Cumnock (KA18 1) with four in New Cumnock (KA18 4).

Seven sex offenders reside in the KA6 7 postcode area covering Patna, Dalmellington, Bellsbank and Drongan, with a further two living within KA6 6 covering Dalrymple.

Three offenders reside in the Auchinleck/Ochiltree postcode of KA18 2 while another two live in Muirkirk/Logan (KA18 3).

Seven sex offenders currently reside in the Mauchline postcodes with two in KA5 5, also covering Stair.

There were also five in the KA5 6 area, which also takes in Catrine and Sorn.

The figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act, give numbers of Registered Sex Offenders resident in the postcode area as of February 9, 2018.

The information was extracted from the Violent and Sex Offender Register (ViSOR) database which is updated on a daily basis as some offenders are added, removed or transferred to another area.

Bill Grant MP said the figures reflected the population spread and that only a small fraction pose a risk to those in the community.

He said: “I fully realise that the very thought of someone being a risk to a loved one or family member would be extremely distressing.

“I am reassured that in talks I have had with those involved in law enforcement, there appears to be a relatively small number of sex offenders who pose a risk to our communities.

“A sexual offence can be one of a fairly wide range of criminal offences.

“The figures appear to reflect the population spread in Ayrshire, rather than to indicate that a particular community has a greater problem than another.

“Anyone with information indicating a child could be at risk of harm should make immediate contact with the police or social work department.

“This can be done in confidence.”

Sex offenders are monitored in the community under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) which involve the police service, local authorities, the NHS, Scottish Prison Service and other partners.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Protecting the public is a top priority for Police Scotland. In Scotland Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), provides a comprehensive response to a complex issue, using professional assessment and management to properly target resources at those who pose a risk to the public.

“Police Scotland works in partnership with a number of agencies through MAPPA to ensure that all Registered Sex Offenders are robustly managed within the community.

“While we can never eliminate risk entirely, we want to reassure communities that all reasonable steps are being taken to protect them.”