A MAJOR Ayrshire road was closed for more than eight hours after a crash which left five people - including three children - in hospital.

The A77 was closed near Minishant after an accident involving a car and a van shortly before 5pm on Wednesday, July 19.

The road was shut in both directions until the early hours of Thursday.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4.50pm on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, officers were called to a report of a crash on the A77 near Minishant involving a car and a van.

“A man, a woman and a three children have been taken to hospital.

“The road is currently closed in both directions and diversions are in place.

“The public are asked to avoid the area at this time."

The road eventually reopened shortly after 1am on Thursday.