A man has been left injured after suffering a potential acid attack while he slept at his home in Ayrshire.

The 40-year-old was asleep at his property at Hunter Drive, Irvine, when two men wearing balaclavas broke in and sprayed him in the face with an unknown substance.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital and was treated for facial injuries.

Medical staff describe his condition as stable.

Police have appealed for information into the incident that took place at around 11.50pm on Thursday.

Officers are investigating whether acid was used in the attack.

Detective Sergeant Martin Prendergast said: "Enquiries are at a very early stage to establish exactly what has happened here and why, however at this time we believe that the victim was sprayed with some sort of substance, causing him injuries.

"We are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Hunter Drive just before midnight and may have seen two men wearing balaclavas, or anything at all suspicious, to please get in touch.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Saltcoats CID via 101."