Nicola Sturgeon praises police response to Glasgow city centre attack

Nicola Sturgeon has praised police for their “quick and decisive actions” in containing a major incident in Glasgow’s city centre.

Six people were hospitalised after a stabbing attack at the Park Inn hotel in the city’s West George Street.

The suspect was shot dead by police.

One officer was injured, and is currently in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

The First Minister said she was first made aware of the incident as she stepped off the podium having given today’s daily coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh.

Speaking on the BBC, she said she has had a brief conversation with Boris Johnson, who expressed his concern and sympathies.

In a statement, Ms Sturgeon added: “First and foremost my thoughts are with all those people who have been caught up in this terrible incident, particularly the six injured people taken to hospital for treatment, as well as residents and staff at the hotel.

“I also want to thank all of those police officers whose quick and decisive actions contained the incident – one of whom was among those taken to hospital – as well as the work of the other emergency services. The Justice Secretary and I have been kept informed through the afternoon and briefed by the Chief Constable.

“While such a serious incident is rare in Scotland it is another reminder of the courage and professionalism of our police officers who are willing to run towards danger in order to protect the lives of others.”

Glasgow stabbings: Police not treating incident as terrorism

Images, video and alleged details of the incident quickly spread across social media as it unfolded this afternoon.

Police are investigating the motive behind the attack and the circumstances which led to it.

They are not treating the incident as terrorism-related.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Clearly there is already much speculation around this incident, which remains under investigation.

“I would urge everyone to avoid such speculation, to not share potentially harmful or upsetting material on social media and to follow police advice while investigations are underway.”

Scotland’s Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The incident in Glasgow is not being treated by Police as terrorism.

“Depressingly yet predictably some are using horrific incident to further their far-right agenda.

“Glasgow won’t stand for your divisive hatred, so don’t even try it. Let’s keep victims & families in our thoughts.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted this afternoon: “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.”