A MAN has appeared in court to face four charges after a pair of police officers were allegedly assaulted in a 'disturbance' in Stevenston.

Police confirmed earlier this week that a 43-year-old male had been arrested following the incident on Shore Road on Monday, September 30 - and he was due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court the following day.

The force said that two constables were taken to hospital before later being discharged.

Robert McDonald appeared for a private petition hearing on Tuesday, October 1, having been charged in connection with four alleged offences.

The Crown claims that McDonald engaged in a course of behaviour that was abusive of his partner or ex-partner.

Two allegations relate to the assault of PCs in the execution of their duties, while a further charge states that McDonald, who is described as a resident of North Ayrshire, behaved in a threatening or abusive manner which was likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm.

The accused made no plea during the hearing and was committed for further examination.

He will return to court at a later date and has been granted bail until that time.