Six stabbed in Glasgow knife attack
An officer from Police Scotland is among a number of people stabbed in a suspected terror attack in Glasgow before the attacker was shot dead by police.
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said: “I would like to reassure the public that this is a contained incident and that the wider public is not at risk. Armed police officers attended the incident and I can confirm that a male suspect was shot by an armed officer.”
According to local reports, around 20 police vehicles descended on West George Street in the city.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone confirmed they were “not treating the attack as a terrorist incident”.
“Terrible incidents such as we have seen today are, thankfully, very rare in Scotland. This event has understandably shocked the people of Glasgow, and indeed, the whole country,” he said.
“My thoughts and very best wishes are with those who have been injured and their families, including our colleague Constable David Whyte who was seriously injured in the course of doing his duty. I offer my personal support to all those affected.
“Officers have once again run into danger to protect their fellow citizens. Their professionalism as police officers was outstanding. I pay tribute to their bravery, selflessness and commitment to protecting the public.
“I briefed the First Minister and the Prime Minister earlier today on the circumstances and advised them both that we are not treating the attack as a terrorist incident.
“It is essential inquiries are now carried out to establish the full circumstances and all speculation must be avoided.
“Scotland is a safe place to live and work. We have cohesive communities who work with their police service to maintain our peaceful and respectful way of life.”
Mr Livingstone added that in the “context of the current health emergency”, and to respect those injured and the people of Glasgow, he was urging everyone to exercise personal responsibility and not gather in crowds at the weekend.
The Scottish Police Federation said: “We are aware of reports a police officer has been stabbed in an incident in #Glasgow city centre.
“Our officials are in attendance to provide all necessary support. Please allow our colleagues the space to do their jobs.
“We appreciate families of police officers in Glasgow will be anxious to hear that a police officer has been stabbed. Please be aware the family of the officer has been notified and is being supported by the service.
“Further updates will be provided when we are able to do so.”
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. 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.
“I would urge everyone to avoid such speculation, to not share potentially harmful or upsetting material on social media and to follow police advice while investigations are underway.”
