A group of masked men are being hunted by police after threatening an 11-year-old girl during a robbery.

The gang, believed to be made up of four or five men, forced their way into a house in Kirkhall Gardens in Ardrossan, North Ayrshire, on Tuesday at around 6.55pm.

The girl was not injured but the thieves made off with cash, jewellery and personal items.

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They were last seen getting into a dark saloon car. The value of the goods stolen is not known.

Detective Inspector Mick Carr, of Saltcoats CID, said: "This was a horrific experience for anyone to endure never mind a young girl and therefore it is vital that we trace the persons responsible.

"I'd like to speak to anyone who may have seen the group of men hanging around the area prior to the robbery taking place or anyone who may have seen them fleeing the scene in a dark-coloured saloon car.

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"If anyone was passing Kirkhall Gardens around this time and has dash cam footage then I urge them also to contact police immediately."

Mr Carr urged anyone with information to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting the reference number 3183 of October 22, or calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.