A nine-year-old girl has tragically been killed while riding her bike in New Cumnock, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to the A76 in the Castle area shortly after 12.30pm on Monday, September 18, with the road closed and a diversion in place since. 

Ayrshire police initially confirmed that a 'severe incident' had taken place, and later confirmed that a pedestrian had sadly been killed.Police have now confirmed that the girl was tragically killed while riding her bike after a crash with a tractor towing a trailer. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 12.35pm on Monday, September 18, we received a report of a crash involving a tractor towing a trailer and a 9-year-old female on her bicycle on Castle Place, New Cumnock.

"Emergency services attended but the girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans said in a post on Facebook: "Saddened to hear the tragic news today from New Cumnock, where a young girl has lost her life in a road traffic incident.

"My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends and the close knit community of New Cumnock."

Linda McAulay Griffiths, Chief Education Officer at East Ayrshire Council, said: "Our thoughts are with all involved at this very sad time.

"We will be working closely with the school and together we will do all we can to help and support those affected in the coming days."

The New Cumnock Development Trust has confirmed that its activities for the upcoming week will no longer take place in light of the incident.

A spokesperson said: "In light of the tragic event in our community today, all NCDT activities over the coming week are now cancelled."

New Cumnock Bowling Club also took to social media to say they were closing early on Monday due to the "tragic event in our village".

Glenafton Athletic also confirmed that a minute's silence would be held before their next match against Irvine Meadow on Saturday, September 23.

New Cumnock Baptist Church confirmed that its Tuesday Club would not take place on September 19, while Cumnock Juniors Girls FC said all training had been cancelled following the tragedy.