An armed robber who fired a shotgun during a raid on a post office has died in prison.

Kevin Sloan, 31, from Paisley, who was jailed for eight years in 2012 over the robbery, was found dead at Castle Huntly in Perth and Kinross on Monday.

Sloan admitted a gun raid at the RS McColl branch in Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire in 2011 and was jailed the following year.

A court heard Sloan and an accomplice blasted the door of the post office open before threatening a female member of staff and making off with thousands of pounds.

He was caught after police found his driving licence and vehicle rental documents in an abandoned getaway van.

The prison service said Police Scotland have been informed of the death and a fatal accident inquiry may take place in due course.

A statement from the Scottish Prison Service said: "Kevin Sloan, 31, a prisoner at HMP Castle Huntly has died.

"He was convicted at Edinburgh High Court. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter will be reported to the procurator fiscal.

"Next of kin have been informed and a fatal accident inquiry may be held in due course."