A MURDER inquiry has been launched following the death of a man at a house in Stevenston, Ayrshire.

John Smith, 52, was found badly injured at the property in Misk Knowes on Saturday and later died in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on Tuesday.

Another man, aged 30, was also injured in the attack but has been released from Crosshouse Hospital after receiving treatment.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Burton, of Police Scotland's 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 Mr Smith, 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."

Police say their enquiries have already provided information on a car driving off at speed from Misk Knowes at around 3pm on Saturday afternoon and they are appealing for anyone with information on the vehicle and its occupants to come forward.

They are also asking for anyone who saw a car driving erratically in the surrounding areas to come forward.

DCI Burton added: "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."

A post mortem to establish Mr Smith's cause of death will be carried out in due course.

Anyone who wishes to pass on information anonymously can do so through CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111.