Woman dies after 40ft mine fall

The area around the mine is often used as a shortcut by locals

A 44-year-old woman has died in hospital after falling down disused mine workings in Ayrshire.

Alison Hume fell about 40ft into the mine, close to the Barrwood Gate housing development in Galston.

Firefighters and the police mountain rescue team were called to the scene at about 0215 BST.

Ms Hume was freed at about 0800 BST and airlifted to hospital where she later died. It is thought she had been using the area as a shortcut home.

A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said a report would be prepared for the procurator fiscal.

Inquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.