A BRAVE dad has died from head injuries after falling when he tackled a gang of youths outside his home.

Father-of-five Billy Templeton is understood to have suffered an epileptic fit after confronting thugs involved in a gang battle in the street.

He is believed to have fallen and struck his head on a concrete step outside his front door while fleeing the teenagers.

The incident happened in Thornyflat Road, Ayr, in the early hours of yesterday.

The 33-year-old was rushed to Ayr Hospital, but died a short time after.

Police are trying to piece together what happened and are probing claims he may have been attacked by the gang.

His family have been left devastated.

Mr Templeton has been described as a real family man who would always help someone out.

His nephew Sean Wade, 25, said: "We think he died when he had an epileptic fit and hit his head on the concrete front step outside his house after confronting the youths.

"My uncle was a great guy who would do anything for you.

"He lived for his kids and his football.

"He wasn't the kind who got into trouble. He was a real family man who would do anything he could to help people out."

Police said the incident happened about 1am when Mr Templeton, a life-long Rangers fan, collapsed.

It appears that a short time earlier a disturbance took place in Thornyflat Road at its junction with Fulshaw Crescent, Ayr.

Detective Sergeant Scott McClelland, of Ayr CID, is keen to trace the youths involved in the earlier incident.

He said: "Mr Templeton collapsed and died within his home.

"Initial inquiries suggest his death was a tragic incident however we are keeping an open mind.

"A post mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death.

"We are still trying to trace four youths who had been in the area a short time beforehand.

"These youths may have seen Mr Templeton outside his home shortly before his collapse and I would urge them to come forward."

The youths are all thought to be between 16-20 years of age.

One had red hair and one was heavy built.

DS McClelland added: "We are very keen to trace these youths.

"I would also appeal to anyone who saw this incident take place to contact me."