A schoolboy was arrested over threats made to fellow pupils online.

Police attended Irvine Royal Academy, in North Ayrshire, on Monday as part of a probe into the Facebook messages.

The senior pupil was held by officers in connection with an offence under the Communications Act.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that on Monday, January 16, police received a report of an alleged offence contrary to the Communications Act 2003.

"As a result of police enquiries, a boy was arrested in connection with the incident.

"A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."

A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council said: "As the matter is now subject to court proceedings, it would be inappropriate for the Council to comment."

The pupil was expected to appear in private at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Tuesday but was released from police custody to allow further investigation to take place.

A Crown Office spokesperson said: "The procurator fiscal received a report concerning a male, in connection with alleged incident on January 10, 2017.

"After full and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, he was liberated from custody pending further inquiries and did not appear in court."