A woman has been raped in the grounds of a church in North Ayrshire.

The 42-year-old woman was attacked by a man known to her in the grounds of St John's Church, Hayocks Road, Stevenston just after midnight on Monday, July 9.

Police are searching for two men who came to her aid after hearing her shouting, resulting in the attacker running off.

Detective inspector Stuart Lipsett, from Kilmarnock CID, said: "Whilst we are following a positive line of enquiry and are aware that the woman knew the man who attacked her, we are still very keen to hear from the men who helped her.

"One of the men stayed with the woman until she was OK, however, left prior to the police arriving as did the other man who chased the suspect who unfortunately got away.

"These two men helped that lady tremendously and possibly saved her from further harm, however, they may also have information that may prove vital to our investigation and I would ask them to get in touch with police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101.

Alternatively, charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.