Two armed attackers have assaulted an elderly woman and her son in their home in a possible case of mistaken identity.

The 74-year-old woman and 46-year-old man were taken to hospital after being injured in the attack in South Ayrshire on Sunday.

The pair were in their house in Lochgreen Avenue, Troon, when two men “brandishing weapons” stormed into the property and attacked them just after 5pm.

The pensioner suffered a cut to her hand while her son’s arm was seriously injured.

Police Scotland said both were taken by ambulance to Ayr Hospital and they have since been discharged.

Detective Sergeant Jane Hogg, of Ayr Police Office, said: “This was a terrifying attack.

“We are continuing to investigate the motive behind this incident, however one line of enquiry is that it could have been a case of mistaken identity.”

Officers are appealing for information to help catch the culprits.

They have not revealed further details of the type of weapons involved.

The suspects are white and they may have been using a small black car.

One was around 6ft, with a heavy build. He was wearing a black balaclava, a black jacket or parka-style coat with black trousers.

The second man was in his mid-twenties, around 5ft 5in and of medium build with light brown chin-length hair. He was wearing a light-coloured jacket or hooded top.

Ms Hogg added: “Officers have been in Lochgreen Avenue in Troon speaking to people.

“They are studying CCTV footage from the local area to gather more information to identify the two men responsible.”