Four people are in hospital following an explosion at several homes in the Kincaidston area of Ayr.

Police Scotland has confirmed two adults and two children have been taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock.

The incident took place at Gorse Park, at around 7.10pm on Monday.

Follow our live blog for all the latest on this story.

Four houses have been affected by the explosion, which was felt for miles around.

Early eyewitness reports on social media told of a massive explosion - felt as far as Maybole - and there is debris and plumes of smoke in the surrounding area.

The Advertiser attended the scene and witnessed a large emergency service presence in the area. The public are being asked to avoid it.

The community has rallied to offer support to those affected as nearby residents are evacuated.

 

A spokesperson for Ayrshire Police said: "Around 7.10pm on Monday, 18 October, emergency services were called to a report of an explosion on Gorse Park, Ayr.

“Four houses have been affected by the explosion.

“Two adults and two children have been taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock. “A number of premises have been evacuated and two local rest centres have been set up to assist.

“Emergency services are currently at the scene working with other agencies. “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the explosion.

“Local road closures are in place and we would advise people to avoid the area at the present time.”