Police called to popular pub after drinker tragically dies on permises

Police were called to a popular pub after a drinker tragically died on the premises at the weekend.

An investigation was launched after tragedy struck at Charlie's Bar in Ardrossan, North Ayrshire, on Saturday afternoon.

The man, who is understood to have been out with his wife, was in the pub, in the seaside town's Glasgow Street, when he is believed to have suffered a heart attack.

He collapsed in the pub and the alarm was raised, with emergency services being called to attend.

Two police cars, a police van and an ambulance were spotted outside the pub on Saturday afternoon, and the shutters were seen to be down.

A source said: "Apparently he was just standing having a drink with his wife and the next minute he was gone. 

"It's absolutely tragic. It was a shock to everyone but especially her. A horrible thing to happen. 

"The pub was evacuated and the shutters were pulled down and left half open.

"Once the police left the shutters were pulled right down.

"The place is usually packed on a Saturday and this weekend was no different."

The incident took place at around 3.30pm on Saturday. At around 5.30pm, two of the police vehicles and the ambulance left the scene. 

Police officers in hi-vis vests were seen leaving the premises a short time later and the third police car, which had been parked outside a William Hill bookmakers across the street, left.

APolice Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 3.30pm on Saturday, 17 January, 2026, officers were called to Glasgow Street, Ardrossan following the death of a man.

'His death is being treated as unexplained but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

The Scottish Ambulance Service was also approached for comment.