A SHOCKED councillor has called for a full investigation after a member of the public was found LOCKED inside the seafront public loos on Friday evening.

Both the Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland were called to help the man who was locked inside 'for a considerable time'.

The door about to be chopped down with an axe before keys were found to release the man - believed to be a tourist from England - marooned inside.

Councillor Ian Murdoch told the News this was not the first time a member of the public had been trapped inside the seafront loos - and called for a review of protocols to prevent a repeat.

He said: "I was heading to Morrisons and as I passed the seafront toilets I could see that the police and the fire brigade were outside.

"I wondered what was happening then received a phone call to be told that I better get down there quickly as an axe was about to be put through the front door to force it open - as a search to find keys had bore no fruit.

"However, I gather the keys were subsequently located and the door was able to be safely opened, but the whole episode isn't acceptable.

"This is not the first time that this has happened either. I don't know how long the man was locked in for but it was for a considerable time. I don't know what the circumstances are as to how it happened either but that needs to be full investigated.

"I have sent an email to North Ayrshire Council looking for the matter to be reviewed to ensure something like this does not happen again.

"I have asked for a review of how the toilets are opened and locked on a daily basis as the seafront car park fund is being charged for a service that is not being fully and efficiently provided."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 9.25pm on Friday to reports of a person locked in a public toilet at Gallowgate Street in Largs.

“Operations Control mobilised one appliance to the scene and firefighters released the trapped person.

“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe and there were no reported casualties.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers received a report of concern for a person within a public toilet in Largs at around 8.25pm. The man was helped out with assistance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.”

North Ayrshire Council said they were investigation to establish the circumstances as we went to press.