A YOUNG man is in hospital after a hit and run on New Year's Day.

The 29-year-old was taken to Ayr Hospital and treated for a facial injury following the incident at around 10.35pm.

Police said he was walking westbound along Westport, near to Kirkport in Tarbolton when we was struck from behind by an unidentified vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop.

Police Constable Mike Prout, Irvine Road Policing Unit, said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and speak to us. There are a number of houses overlooking the area and we believe there were other people in the area at the time.

"We know that a taxi passed by shortly after the incident so we would appeal for the driver to come forward, you may have information that can help us.

"Anyone who has dash-cam footage from in and around Tarbolton may also be able to help us, if so we would urge you to get in contact."

Anyone with information should contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 5535 of Tuesday 1 January 2019.