Man arrested in Ardrossan after brandishing weapon at police and crashing during car chase

A man has been arrested after allegedly brandishing a knife at police before fleeing the scene and smashing into a car during a five-mile chase.

Officers raided a home in the village of West Kilbride as part of an ongoing investigation when a 35-year-old reportedly produced the weapon.

He then allegedly made a getaway in a car and drove towards Ardrossan but not before colliding with another vehicle on Chapelton Lane, forcing a 75-year-old man to attend hospital for treatment.

Parents of pupils at Ardrossan Academy were warned by text that students were being kept indoors as a result of the incident, though were reassured it did not involve a youngster at the institution.

The police helicopter was deployed and was later seen hovering over the town before the suspect was apprehended on Barrie Terrace in the town, nearly five miles from his home address.

Police Scotland said an investigation into the incident was ongoing.

The injured pensioner was taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Glasgow after receiving initial treatment from paramedics at the scene.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 9.30am on Thursday, June 22, police attended an address in West Kilbride as part of an ongoing police enquiry.

“A 35-year-old man at the address made off in a vehicle which was later involved in a road crash with another car on Chapelton Road.

“The man fled the scene and the 75-year-old male driver of the other car was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital.

“Following searches by officers assisted by the Air Support Unit, the 35-year-old man was traced and arrested a short time later on Barrie Terrace in Ardrossan.

“Enquiries are continuing.”