Three people have reportedly been killed and a number of others injured in a stabbing attack in Glasgow city center. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect was shot dead and a police officer was stabbed during the incident.
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
Armed police arriving at an incident on West George Street. pic.twitter.com/syP2Suz1C6
— Derek McLaughlin (@D____McLaughlin) June 26, 2020
Police and emergency services descended on West George Street in the Scottish city to respond to the ongoing incident amid reports of multiple victims of the stabbing attack.
Greater Glasgow Police said that the street is currently closed off and asked the public to avoid the area. “The situation is contained at this time and there is no danger to the general public,” it said.
Looks like a pretty serious incident is happening in #Glasgow pic.twitter.com/bOtZz8GKEN
— Potkin Azarmehr (@potkazar) June 26, 2020
Eyewitnesses reported seeing three seriously injured people being taken away from the scene by emergency services. A number of people were also seen leaving the building where the incident took place with their hands up as armed police entered.
The police said it is not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident, which is understood to have taken place in a hotel.
The Scottish Police Federation confirmed that a police officer was among the people who had been stabbed. The officer is in a critical but stable condition in hospital.
“We appreciate families of police officers in Glasgow will be anxious to hear that a police officer has been stabbed. Please be aware the family of the officer has been notified and is being supported by the service,” the federation said.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the reports emerging about the attack as “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,” Sturgeon added.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “deeply saddened” by the stabbing attack.