Suspect shot dead and police officer stabbed in Glasgow incident

Published 26th Jun 2020
Last updated 26th Jun 2020

A suspect has been shot dead by police after six people were injured, including an officer, during a major incident in Glasgow.

Police Scotland said a male suspect was shot by an armed unit and an officer is in a critical but stable condition.

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) confirmed a male officer had been stabbed and their family has been informed.

All six injured people, including the officer, are being treated in hospital.

Police said they are not treating the incident as terror related, there is no danger to the public and officers remain in attendance in West George Street in the city centre.

Images on social media appeared to show armed police entering a building and a large number of emergency vehicles outside. The incident appeared to happen at the Park Inn Hotel in West George Street.

A spokeswoman for campaign group Positive Action In Housing said the 91-room hotel was housing asylum seekers for the Mears Group, which moved them there during the coronavirus lockdown.

The organisation has declined to comment on the situation.

In a statement on Twitter, 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.''

"I would like to reassure the public that at this time we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident,'' he said.

David Hamilton, SPF chairman, said: "I understand that he's been stabbed and that he's in a critical but stable condition.

"I think it's just horrific, this is what you dread as a police officer going into a scene like this. It's something that police officers have to do, we have to walk into danger.

"It's pretty clear that the circumstances they have been met with were really pretty horrific and what they would have had to deal with has been exceptionally brave in terms of their actions thereafter.''

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

Scotland's Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf urged people not to speculate on the incident.

He tweeted: "I cannot emphasise this enough - please do not speculate on any of the details around the Glasgow incident. I have seen many press reports - all well intentioned I am sure - that are, as things stand, inaccurate. Please follow @GreaterGlasgPol & @policescotland for accurate info.''

A Home Office spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident at West George Street in Glasgow, which is currently being investigated by the police.''

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "Deeply alarming reports coming from Glasgow. Please follow police advice and avoid the area.

"Thoughts are with the emergency services as they continue to respond to this incident.''

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