Glasgow city centre stabbing incident not being treated as terrorism

A major incident in Glasgow in which six people were injured and the suspect was shot dead is not being treated as terrorism.

It happened at the Park Inn Hotel in West George Street in the city centre of Glasgow on Friday afternoon.

Police Scotland said a male suspect was shot by an armed unit and a 42-year-old officer is in a critical but stable condition.

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

All six injured people, including the 42-year-old officer, are being treated in hospital. The other victims were men aged 17, 18, 20, 38 and 53.

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.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with all those people who have been caught up in this terrible incident, particularly the six injured people taken to hospital for treatment, as well as residents and staff at the hotel.

“I also want to thank all of those police officers whose quick and decisive actions contained the incident - one of whom was among those taken to hospital - as well as the work of the other emergency services.''

She added: “The Justice Secretary and I have been kept informed through the afternoon and briefed by the chief constable.

“While such a serious incident is rare in Scotland, it is another reminder of the courage and professionalism of our police officers who are willing to run towards danger in order to protect the lives of others.

“Clearly there is already much speculation around this incident, which remains under investigation.

Ms Sturgeon also said the police response “undoubtedly ensured that a very, very serious incident didn't become much worse.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Deeply saddened by the terrible incident in Glasgow, my thoughts are with all the victims and their families. Thank you to our brave emergency services who are responding.''

Assistant chief constable Steve Johnson said: “Officers were on the scene within two minutes, and armed officers shortly afterwards, and the incident was quickly contained.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those who were injured, including our officer.

“The incident is not being treated as terrorism and our investigation is continuing into the circumstances.''

He added: “There is no wider risk to the public, however, the street remains closed and people should avoid the area.

“As would be the case in any police discharge of firearms involving a fatality, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) to investigate.''

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.''

Tom Flanagan Kartunnen, of the Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic event that happened today on West George Street in Glasgow.

“During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the hotel has been occupied for temporary housing.''

He added: “We are working with the hotel owner and all the relevant local authorities, including Police Scotland, to support the investigation.''

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