Two police officers in hospital after Inverclyde incident

Two police officers - a mand and a woman - are in hospital following an incident in Inverclyde this morning.

Emergency services were called to a disturbance in Gateside Gardens, Greenock at around 8.45am.

The Scottish Ambulance Service said it sent two ambulances to the incident.

Andrea MacDonald, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Our thoughts are with the injured officers and their families. Once again we see how difficult and dangerous a job it is.

“Police officers put themselves between other professionals and the public and dangerous individuals sometimes with life-changing consequences for themselves and their families.

“We wish our colleagues a speedy and full recovery."

A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: 'I can confirm that around 08.45 this morning two officers attended at an address in Gateside Gardens, Greenock, to support colleagues from a partner agency. During an incident within the address, the two officers (one male, one female) suffered serious injuries. Both officers were taken to Royal Inverclyde Hospital for treatment and remain under medical care.

''One has since been transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for further treatment. Both officers remain in a serious condition. Our thoughts are with our injured colleagues and their families at this time.

''A 43-year-old man has been arrested and is currently being assessed at a local hospital. I would like to stress that this incident is not being treated as terrorist-related and was contained without further risk to the public.

''I would like to take this opportunity to publicly praise the incredible bravery shown by these two officers during the extremely difficult and challenging situation they faced this morning.

''They have been seriously injured going about their daily duties and both they and their colleagues have demonstrated courage and the utmost professionalism both during and after this incident. They receive the thanks and support of everyone at Police Scotland. This incident demonstrates the commitment of our officers to keep our communities safe.

''I’d also like to reassure the public that a major investigation is underway into this incident and high-visibility patrols are being carried out in the local area.

''I would ask anyone with information to please contact officers at Greenock Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 0796 of 1 June 2018.''

• greenock