An elderly man has died after being struck by a taxi as he crossed a road.

The 70-year-old was hit in Ayr last night on the A719 Whitletts Road near its junction with Craigie Road.

Police Scotland said he was struck at about 10.05pm by a silver Skoda Octavia private hire taxi travelling west.

The man, who has not yet been named, died at the scene. The 52-year-old taxi driver, who was alone in the car, was not injured.

Sergeant Ian Thornton, of the Irvine-based divisional road policing unit, said: "A full inquiry into this incident is under way and we are keen to establish the movements of the elderly man prior to the collision taking place."

The crash victim is described as 5ft 8ins, of medium build with short grey hair. He was wearing a black blazer, blue jeans and black shoes.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who knows where the man was earlier on Monday evening is asked to contact the police on 101.

A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.