A man has been shot after allegedly firing a crossbow at police officers.

Armed police were sent to a property at Bankfaulds Avenue in Kilbirnie, North Ayrshire, at around 5.30am on Saturday.

Police Scotland assistant chief constable Malcolm Graham said: "A 24-year-old man has been shot by police following the alleged discharge of a crossbow at officers around 12.15pm hours this afternoon.

“The man had earlier - around 5.30am hours this morning - barricaded himself within a property in Bankfaulds Ave, Kilbirnie, Ayrshire."

Police had been at the scene with armed officers and specialists negotiators in attendance.

"He has been taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, for treatment," Mr Graham added.

“At this time it is not considered that his injuries are serious nor life threatening.

"No other people were injured in the incident which concluded at 12.20pm this afternoon.

"Police are not seeking anyone else in connection with this incident. Enquiries are continuing.

"As is procedure, the matter will be referred to PIRC - Police Investigations and Review Commissioner."

A spokeswoman for PIRC confirmed the incident is being investigated.

She said: "The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner has been directed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to investigate the discharge of a conventional firearm during an incident at a residential address in Kilbirnie earlier today, Saturday 12 March 2016.

"It is reported that during the incident, a 24-year-old man was shot by police at around 12.15pm, following the alleged discharge of a crossbow at officers.

"A report on the Commissioner's findings will be submitted to the COPFS in due course."