A 'NUMBER of arrests' have been made after a large-scale disturbance in Auchinleck over the weekend which saw one police officer taken to hospital.
A large police presence was seen in the village on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Big crowds gathered around the Sorn Road and Old Avenue areas, with police in riot gear also seen at the scene.
READ MORE: Riot police spotted on streets of Cumnock
Police helicopters were also clearly visible, as well as fire and ambulance crews.
Police Scotland now say that a "number of people have been arrested in connection with large-scale disorder".
They say public order officers attended to ensure safety when crowds refused to disperse when requested.
Over a dozen police vehicles were seen lined outside of the former Auchinleck Academy building- including cars and riot vans.
One home on Heathfield Road was also set on fire, with police adding that investigations are continuing.
Homes on Old Avenue had also appeared to be damaged during the incidents.
Police also say that contrary to information they supplied in a statement over the weekend, the officer who was taken to hospital had been hit not by a firework, but by a brick.
Following Saturday night's disorder, police wielding riot shields were spotted on the streets of nearby Cumnock on Sunday evening.
Officers were deployed in the Dalgleish Avenue, Holland Crescent and McClymont Court and Walker areas.
There were reports of windows being smashed and objects once again being thrown at officers.
Workers were seen clearing up the mess in the area on Monday morning.
Chief Superintendent Raymond Higgins said: “This type of disorder causes fear and alarm to residents and I would like to reassure the local community that enquiries into what happened are ongoing.
"We have stepped up patrols in the area and anyone with concerns should speak to officers. We’re committed to identifying those responsible and taking further action.
“Unfortunately, during the incidents, some of those gathered became extremely hostile towards police.
"Our officers attended to ensure public safety. For them to be attacked while doing their jobs is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
"An officer was injured by a brick during the disorder and he had to be taken to hospital for treatment before being released.
“Anyone who thinks they may have information, CCTV or dashcam footage which could assist us in our investigation is urged to come forward."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 2137 of 25 November, 2023. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: "We were alerted at 7.19pm on Saturday, 25 November to reports of a dwelling fire in Auchinleck, East Ayrshire.
"Operations Control mobilised three appliances to the town's Heathfield Road, where firefighters extinguished the fire and worked to make the area safe before leaving the scene.
"There were no casualties."
The weekend's disorder has also been condemned by local politicians.
Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, said on Sunday: "I strongly condemn last night’s violence in Auchinleck. The scenes we have witnessed are appalling.
"My thoughts are with the injured officer and those who work to keep our communities safe.
"I am unable to comment any further as this is a live investigation.
"I stand ready to support the community during this difficult time in whatever way I can."
In a joint statement posted on social media on Sunday, SNP councillors William Lennox and Claire Leitch, whose Ballochmyle ward includes Auchinleck, said: "We were shocked by the scenes in Auchinleck last night and strongly condemn any violence, particularly towards the emergency services carrying out their job.
"Given the lack of details around the situation and the potential for a criminal investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.
"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."
Linda Holland, Labour councillor for the same ward, said on Sunday: "In relation to the distressing scenes in Auchinleck last night, I have been contacted by a few people asking if I know anything about the events, or what may have caused them.
"I am not aware of the details surrounding the situation, and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.
"As always, happy to provide any support in any way I can, and my thoughts are with anyone affected by the events."
Anyone with information can pass it to Police Scotland by calling 101.
Information can also be supplied anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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