Glasgow stabbings: Suspect shot by police after city centre attack

Six people are in hospital following a “serious incident” in Glasgow city centre.

A police officer has been confirmed to be among the casualties, and is in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

The suspect in the stabbings was shot dead by armed police.

The BBC has reported that three people were killed in the incident, but this remains unconfirmed.

The incident centred on West George Street, at the Park Inn Hotel.

Police Scotland assistant chief constable Steve Johnson said: “The individual who was shot by armed police has died. Six other people are in hospital for treatment to their injuries including a police officer, who is in a critical but stable condition.

“We are continuing to deal with the incident on West George Street, Glasgow, and would ask people to avoid the area. We would urge the public not to speculate about this incident or share unconfirmed information on social media.”

Dozens of emergency service vehicles headed to the scene early on Friday afternoon.

Video footage shared on social media showed armed police officers in attendance, as well as multiple ambulances.

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “The reports from Glasgow City Centre are truly dreadful. My thoughts are with everyone involved. I am being updated as the situation becomes clearer.

“Please help the emergency services do their jobs by staying away from the area – and please don’t share unconfirmed information.”

Scottish Police Federation chairman David Hamilton confirmed that a male officer was injured in the incident.

He said in a statement: “Whilst there is understandable and considerable public interest in the major incident in Glasgow earlier today, our focus at this time is in assisting the family of our colleague who has been seriously injured.

“This is obviously an anxious time for them and we ask that they be left alone as their attentions are very obviously directed towards the care of their loved one.

“Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with our colleague, his family and friends, and all colleagues affected by this incident at this time.”

Around 20 police vehicles, armed officers, sniffer dogs and riot shields are on the scene at West George Street in Glasgow. Lots of shouting and huge number of paramedics in hazmat suits @LBC pic.twitter.com/tY30DlToL3

— Fraser Knight (@Fraser_Knight) June 26, 2020

Police have urged the public to avoid the area, although they have said there is now “no danger to the general public.”

West George Street is currently closed to traffic, between Hope Street and West Nile Street, as well as Renfield Street, between West Regent Street and St Vincent Street.

A police statement said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident on West George Street in Glasgow.

“The street is currently closed off and the public are asked to avoid the area at present. The situation is contained at this time and there is no danger to the general public.”

Serious police presence in West George Street, Glasgow just now. Armed police entering a building. Anyone know what’s going on? pic.twitter.com/aplqcywWrN

— Adele Mills (@MillsAdele) June 26, 2020

Witness Craig Milroy, who saw the aftermath of the incident from an office building nearby, said he had seen four people taken away in ambulances.

He told the PA news agency: “I saw a man lying on the ground, of African descent, with no shoes on. He was on the ground with someone holding his side – I don’t know if it was a bullet wound, a stab wound, or what it was.”

Mr Milroy said the man was one of the four taken away by medics and believed him to be a victim of an attack.

He added: “After that we saw commotion, ambulances further up and we saw armed police all running into the hotel next to the Society Room.

“We were still standing outside, after that the police all came down, the riot police and triage team told us to go back in and lock the door.”

The Park Inn Hotel is currently closed to guests, but has been used as temporary accommodation for asylum throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Responding to the incident, Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Deeply saddened by the terrible incident in Glasgow, my thoughts are with all the victims and their families. Thank you to our brave emergency services who are responding.”