A man is in hospital with serious head injuries following an attempted murder in North Ayrshire.

The 44-year-old victim was found injured after an attack outside the Saracen's Head Hotel in Beith in the early hours of Monday morning.

He was initially taken to Crosshouse Hospital before being transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

Police have asked anyone who saw the attack to come forward.

Detective Inspector William McDicken of Saltcoats police office said: "Our enquiries are continuing today to trace whoever is responsible for assaulting the 44 year-old man outside the Saracen Head Hotel in Eglinton Street, Beith, around 12.05am on Monday, October 24.

"Officers are continuing to carry out enquiries in the local area."

He added: "Officers are following a number of lines of enquiry and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this assault take place, or who was in the area at the time and has information that may assist our investigation to contact detectives at Saltcoats police office through 101.

"Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained."