A man is in critical condition in hospital after he was attacked at an engagement party.

The 24-year-old was punched and kicked to the ground by two men during the fight at a social club in Harbour Street, Irvine, Ayrshire, in the early hours of this morning, police said.

He made his way outside where he collapsed and was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock.

The victim was later transferred to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, where he is being treated for serious head injuries. Hospital staff describe his condition as critical.

Police Scotland are treating the incident as attempted murder and appealed for information.

Detective Sergeant Ian Ross said: "There had been an engagement party on at the club and towards the end of the night when the guests were leaving, for some reason, there was a fight between the injured man and at least two other people, who we understand were also guests at the party.

"There were over a hundred people at the party and it was spilling out at the time of the attack. We know that a good number of people intervened to try and stop the assault.

"We are currently checking CCTV and going through the guest list. However, in the meantime, I am appealing to those who tried to assist or who were at the party to contact us."

Both suspects are described as white and in their mid forties. One was 6ft tall, well built and bald and was wearing jeans, a black jacket and light boots.

The other was slim and balding and was wearing a blue shirt and jeans.

The incident happened just before half past midnight this morning.