A NURSE has been stabbed in a knife attack at an Ayr hospital sparking a huge emergency response.

Ailsa Hospital is on lockdown while the knife attacker is on the loose, with staff and patients urged to lock themselves in rooms and offices.

4 Staff at Ayr Hospital have reportedly been told to lock themselves in offices after knife attack claims Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing - The Sun Glasgow

4 Cops have sealed off the area after the stabbing

The woman, understood to be a nurse at the facility, has been rushed to another hospital for treatment after the attack at around 10am.

Her condition has been described as serious but stable.

Cops are currently scouring the medical facility grounds with the help of a force helicopter in search of the attacker.

A police spokesperson said: "Shortly after 10.00am this morning a woman was seriously injured after she was stabbed in a car park of Ailsa Hospital, Dalmellington Road, Ayr.

The injured woman, was taken to Ayr Hospital for treatment.

"Her injuries are described by hospital medical staff as being serious but stable. Her relatives have been made aware.

Officers continue to carry out an extensive search of the local area. The car park of Ailsa Hospital remains closed as police enquiries are ongoing.

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"The remainder of the hospital is open to staff and patients.

Chief Inspector Derek Frew, Area Commander for South Ayrshire, is appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the incident to contact Police Scotland as a matter of urgency via 101.

An update will be issued when available.

4 The area was sealed off and a manhunt is underway to find the attacker

NHS Ayrshire & Arran have confirmed on social media that there is an "incident" on the grounds and that a lock down is in full effect.

The statement read: "Due to an incident on the grounds of Ailsa Hospital earlier today, Ailsa Hospital and University Hospital Ayr campus are on full lockdown.

"No members of staff, patients or visitors will be able to leave the sites until advised.

"A further update will be given as soon as possible."

Due to an incident on the grounds of Ailsa Hospital earlier today, Ailsa Hospital and University Hospital Ayr campus are on full lockdown. No members of staff, patients or visitors will be able to leave the sites until advised.

A further update will be given as soon as possible. — NHS Ayrshire & Arran (@NHSaaa) November 22, 2018

NHS Ayshire and Arran added this afternoon: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran is aware of an incident in the grounds of Ailsa Hospital this morning.

"We are assisting Police Scotland with their investigations, and to ensure the safety of staff, patients and visitors.

"We are unable to comment any further at this time."

Ailsa Hospital specialises in mental health and psychiatry and cares for elderly patients.

4 A large police presence as well as a helicopter has been deployed

It has a 52 bed Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit.

Earlier this year a patient who battered a pensioner with a water jug in a hospital avoided court.

Great-grandad Wully Edgar was pelted in the face and booted as he lay injured in an East Kilbride ward.

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We recently told you about a 55st patient who assaulted nurses - but can't be kicked out of hospital.

Matthew Crawford, 33, was convicted of assaulting four nurses at a care home earlier this year.

A damning report also revealed that NHS staff shortages could more than triple by 2030 - leaving one in four jobs unfilled.

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More to follow...

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