Police dealing with THREE 'linked' incidents in Kilmarnock

Officers in Kilmarnock are currently dealing with three potentially connected serious incidents in the town - one at Crosshouse Hospital, a second in Portland Street at a viaduct and a serious road crash on the A76.

All three incidents occurred within 45 minutes of one another between 7:45pm and 8.30pm.

There is a large police presence in the town and officers are asking members of the public to stay away from the area while they deal with the incidents.

Police Scotland says enquiries are at an early stage but there is no cause for concern for the wider community.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran locked down the hospital and diverted ambulances following the incident but have now lifted this.

A spokesperson for NHS Ayrshire & Arran said: "Following the Police incident earlier this evening, University Hospital Crosshouse was put under lockdown. Police Scotland have confirmed the risk to patients, staff and visitors to the hospital is minimal, and so this lockdown has been lifted.

"There remains a large police presence on the grounds of the hospital.

"We would like to reassure anyone coming to the hospital, in particular to any patients or staff coming on shift, that Police Scotland have confirmed it is safe to do so. However, if you are worried, please speak to the onsite Police Scotland officers.

"As this is a Police Scotland incident, we are unable to comment any further at this time. "

A police spokesperson said: "Police Scotland is currently dealing with 3 potentially linked incidents in the Kilmarnock area. The first occurred around 7.45pm outside Crosshouse Hospital, the second around 20 minutes later on Portland Street, and the third, a serious road crash, on the A76, around 8.30pm.

"Enquiries into these incidents are at an early stage and these areas have been cordoned off at this time. There is no cause for concern for the wider community."

"We can confirm the ongoing incidents in the Kilmarnock area are not being treated as terrorist-related."

More to follow...

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