MAN, 53, IN COURT ON MURDER CHARGE
Police arrest over death of slain Ann
A man has been charged with murdering a 41- year- old woman in Ayr.
John Prentice, 53, was set to appear on petition at Ayr Sheriff Court on Tuesday afternoon charged with murdering Ann McLean in an Ayr flat.
Police launched a probe after Ann, from Troon, suffered fatal injuries after being attacked at the property on Main Road in Whitletts.
Prentice, also from Troon, was held by police and charged with murder on Monday night.
A violent crimewave should NOT spark panic on the streets, according to South Ayrshire’s police chief.
Derek Frew insists Ayr is “still a safe place to be” despite one murder, two stabbings and a rape.
The chief inspector spoke out this week as detectives charged John Prentice over the slaying of Ann McLean in a Whitletts flat.
But with an Ailsa Hospital knife-woman still on the run - and a town centre rapist yet to be put behind bars – the top cop concedes concern is rife.
Speaking exclusively to the Post, Chief Inspector Frew said: “We understand the public are worried and as police we share those concerns over the increase in violence.
“We have put extra resources into the community to ensure they give reassurance.
“But what is important to stress is there is no pattern emerging here.
“Nothing has come to light over the last two weeks that suggests this spike in violence could have been anticpiated – or that we are likely to see it increasing.
“What we have seen is a spike in activity that hopefully should not occur again.”
The unprecedented burst of crime also included attempted heists at a home in Ayr’s Park Circus and a SPAR shop in Tarbolton.
It is a worrying trend that has led many to fear for their safety.
And despite suspects remaining at large for a range of the high profile crimes, Ch