KILMARNOCK'S MP has admitted he was "horrified" to discover that hundreds of addresses in the town have been deemed too dangerous for paramedics to enter without police backup. 

Nearly 4,500 properties across Scotland have been subjected to the Scottish Ambulance Service’s ‘red flag’ policy.

Because of previous violent incidents at the home or business, paramedics are not permitted to enter unless police officers are also present - even in the event of a medical emergency.

A freedom of information request, by justice and social affairs publication 1919 Magazine, has revealed that 532 addresses across Ayrshire are flagged under the list.

This includes 134 addresses in Kilmarnock's KA1 postcode, as well as a further 86 in KA2 and 29 in KA3. 

READ MORE: The full list of Ayrshire postcodes on ambulance red list

Mr Brown, who represents Kilmarnock and Loudoun for the SNP, says education is the way forward - but admits there's no short term solution to the problem in sight.

He explained: “The revelation that certain addresses are red-flagged for police intervention is horrifying.

"This not only places an additional burden on law enforcement but also poses potential risks if ambulance response times are compromised due to the need for a police presence.

“Clearly, there is no immediate solution but in the long term, it is about eradicating threatening and violent behaviour.

"This means making people understand the consequences of their actions and taking personal responsibility.

"It means educating people and, in some cases, giving them assistance for any addictions they may have which could fuel a chaotic lifestyle.”

The KA1 postcode area covers Kilmarnock town centre, Bonnyton, Grange, Bellfield, Riccarton, Shortlees, Caprington and Hurlford.

KA2 takes in Knockentiber, Crosshouse and Dundonald, while KA3 includes Longpark, Hillhead, Knockinlaw, Altonhill, Onthank, Beansburn, Southcraigs, New Farm Loch, Whinpark, Kilmaurs, Stewarton, Dunlop, Lugton, Fullwood, Kingsford, Fenwick and Crookedholm.

Elsewhere in East Ayrshire there were 20 'red list' addresses in KA18, covering Cumnock, Auchinleck, Ochiltree, New Cumnock, Muirkirk, Smallburn, Lugar and Logan, and nine in KA5 (Mauchline, Catrine and Sorn, as well as Tarbolton in South Ayrshire).

Three postcode areas in East Ayrshire had fewer than five 'red list' addresses - KA16 (Newmilns and Greenholm), KA17 (Darvel) and KA4 (Galston and Moscow).