A murder inquiry is under way after the victim of a violent attack at the weekend died in hospital.

John Smith, 52, was severely injured in the incident at a house on Misk Knowes, Stevenston, North Ayrshire, on Saturday.

He died at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on Tuesday. Police are treating his death as murder.

Another man, aged 30, was injured in the attack and was released from hospital after treatment.

A car was seen driving off at speed from the road around 3pm on Saturday and police are keen to speak to anyone who may have information on it and its occupants.

Detective chief inspector Allan Burton of the Major Investigation Team said: "Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the incident within the property in Misk Knowes on Saturday afternoon, to establish who is responsible for the murder of the 52 year-old man, and the serious assault of the 30 year-old man.

"Officers are in the area carrying out door to door enquiries and studying CCTV footage in an effort to gather as much information as possible for their ongoing investigation.

"From our enquiries over the past few days we believe that a car drove off at speed from Misk Knowes around 3pm on Saturday afternoon. I would urge anyone who may have information on this vehicle and its occupants, or indeed if someone saw a car being driven erratically in the local area to contact us."

He continued: "I would like to reassure the public and in particular the residents of Stevenston that everything is being done to trace whoever is responsible for this crime, however we need their help.

"Please don't assume what we know and at this time I would appeal to anyone with any information on this crime, or anyone who was in the area of Misk Knowes between 2pm and 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon who witnessed anything suspicious to come forward.

"Any piece of information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be relevant to this inquiry and I would urge people to contact my officers based at Saltcoats Police Office through 101.

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

Relatives have been informed of Mr Smith's death and a post mortem is due to take place.