Women killed in Kilmarnock incidents were mother and daughter
They died last night. (Thursday 4th February)
It has emerged two women killed in Kilmarnock last night were mother and daughter.
They have been named locally as Emma Robertson Coupland and Nicole Anderson.
The mother, 39, was found injured in the car park of Crosshouse Hospital at around 7.45pm on Thursday 4th February but died at the scene.
In a second incident, 20 minutes later on Portland Street in the town centre, 24 year-old Nicole was stabbed and passed away in hospital from her injuries.
A crash then occurred on the road towards Ochiltree just off the A76 at around 8.30pm.
The 40-year-old male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said inquiries so far suggest the incidents are linked and officers are not looking for anyone else as part of their investigation.
Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain said: "A number of locations remain cordoned off as officers continue to conduct inquiries.
"We are working to confirm the full circumstances of what has happened. If anyone has any information which could assist our inquiries, please do contact us.
"Understandably, people will be shocked by what has happened.
"We are still in the process of establishing the full circumstances, however I would like to reassure people that there is no wider threat to the community.
"Officers will be on patrol and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.''
The relatives of those involved have been informed.
The hospital was locked down following the first incident, but that was lifted at around 10.30pm when police declared it safe to do so.
On Friday morning, the hospital's A&E department and main entrance were open and running as normal while two police vans full of officers remained outside with police tape around part of the car park.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran Chief Executive, John Burns said, "The terrible events of Thursday 4 February 2021 on the grounds of University Hospital Crosshouse and in the town of Kilmarnock will no doubt have had a massive impact on all those involved. Our thoughts and condolences are with all those involved.
"We have increased the staff care support available to our staff, and we are encouraging any members of our staff who have been affected to take advantage of the support available – whether that is by calling our helplines and speaking to a member of the staff care team, or attending the staff wellbeing hub.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the professionalism of the staff who were involved in the incident. This was a particularly challenging incident, and our staff reacted with care and compassion.
"In terms of the incident, we are assisting Police Scotland with their investigations. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide any further information at this time.
"Visitors to the hospital should note that the car park at the physiotherapy Department will remain closed until Police Scotland have concluded their investigations.
Ahead of the daily Scottish Government coronavirus briefing at Friday lunchtime, Deputy First Minister John Swinney spoke about the "dreadful'' events.
He said: "A tragedy like this would be impossible to understand at any time, but after the events of the past year it is particularly shocking that such an incident has taken place at an NHS hospital.
"An investigation is of course ongoing, however Police Scotland have confirmed that the site at Crosshouse Hospital is secure and it is safe for patients and staff to go there.
"For now I simply want to thank the police officers and all of the medical staff who were involved in the response to this incident for all that they contributed and to express my sympathy to the staff of the hospital for the trauma to which they are having to come to terms.
"And again I want to send my deepest condolences to the family and the friends of those who have been killed.''
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman echoed Mr Swinney's comments and said "immediate support'' has been offered to NHS staff.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Dreadful news. My thoughts are with the bereaved.
"Thinking too of everyone at Crosshouse Hospital, already dealing with the tough circumstances of Covid. I'm also grateful to our emergency services. Please continue to follow ?@policescotland? advice.''
Downing Street said Boris Johnson's thoughts are with those involved.
A Number 10 spokesman said: "The Prime Minister's thoughts are with all those involved and he thanks the police and the healthcare staff for their response.''
Several roads in Kilmarnock town centre remain closed - including Portland Street, West George Street and Garden Street via Hill Street - as well as where the crash occurred, with diversions in place.
An East Ayrshire Council statement said: "Following on from the tragic incidents in and around Kilmarnock last night, our thoughts are with all the families and individuals affected by these events.
"We know our communities will be shocked and saddened by these events, but we wish to reassure them that there is no risk to the general public at this time and we are supporting our colleagues in NHS Ayrshire & Arran and Police Scotland wherever we can.
"As this is an ongoing police matter, we need to keep a number of roads in Kilmarnock town centre closed and diversions are in place here, and on the A76, to allow the investigation to continue, and we thank you for your patience and understanding.''
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