Scotland: Man shot after firing crossbow at police

A man has been shot by police in Scotland after he allegedly fired a crossbow at officers. The 24-year-old was in a stand-off with armed police for seven hours, after barricading himself inside a house in Kilbirnie, Ayrshire.

Specialist negotiators were in attendance at the property at Bankfaulds Avenue at around 5.30am on Saturday. (12 March)

Police Scotland's Assistant Chief Constable, Malcolm Graham confirmed the reports saying: "A 24-year-old man has been shot by police following the alleged discharge of a crossbow at officers around 12.15pm hours this afternoon. At this time it is not considered that his injuries are serious nor life threatening.

"No other people were injured in the incident which concluded at 12.20pm this afternoon. Enquiries are continuing."

The man has been taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock for treatment Sky News reports. The incident has been referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner. A spokeswoman for PIRC said: "The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner has been directed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to investigate the discharge of a conventional firearm during an incident at a residential address in Kilbirnie earlier today, Saturday 12 March 2016.

"It is reported that during the incident, a 24-year-old man was shot by police at around 12.15pm, following the alleged discharge of a crossbow at officers. A report on the Commissioner's findings will be submitted to the COPFS in due course."

Police are not seeking anyone else in connection with this incident.