A blast in Ayr on Monday evening has caused damage to four houses and left four people in hospital, including two children. 

Others in the area were forced to evacuate their homes as a precaution. 

Confirming the blast, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of an explosion at a property on Gorse Park in Ayr shortly after 7.10pm on Monday, October 18."

Kincaidston is in Ayr, South Ayrshire and has been described as a close knit community. 

The site of the explosion is located close to the Bankfield roundabout on the  A77 in the south of the town. 

The Herald:

A spokesperson for the Scottish fire and rescue service said: "We were alerted at 7.11pm on Monday, October 18 to reports of a dwelling fire in Gorse Park Ayr."

They also confirmed nine appliances and specialist resources had been sent to the scene.

The area was then cordoned off by police at Kincaidston Drive. 

The Herald:

Queen Margaret Academy was among centres opened last night to provide shelter and support for those evacuated from their homes. 

Inquiries are currently ongoing to establish the cause of the blast, while Scottish Gas Networks confirmed it was ensuring the site around the "serious explosion" was made safe.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Four houses have been affected by the explosion.

"Two adults and two children have been taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock.

"A number of premises have been evacuated and two local rest centres have been set up to assist.

"Local road closures are in place and we would advise people to avoid the area at the present time."