Tributes paid to fallen officers after Glasgow helicopter crash
Tributes have been paid after two officers and a pilot died in a police helicopter crash in Glasgow.
Tributes have been paid after two officers and a pilot died in a police helicopter crash in Glasgow.
A total of nine people died and 32 people were injured when Police Scotlands Eurocopter EC-135 crashed through the roof of the Clutha vaults bar, close to the River Clyde, at 10.25pm on Friday, November 27.
The three victims on board the helicopter have been identified as PC Kirsty Nelis, 36, PC Tony Collins, 43, and the pilot Captain David Traill, 53.
Witnesses say the aircraft dropped like a stone through the roof of the bar. There has been speculation about the fuel load on board as unusually the crash did not result in any flames.
Sir Stephen House, chief constable of Police Scotland, paid tribute to the officers and pilot who died in the incident.
I would like to pay tribute to all three and recognise the important contribution they made to our public service and to the communities they have served, he said.
Police Scotland would not release any additional information on the careers of the two officers, but it has been widely reported that both officers had previously received commendations for bravery.
PC Nelis, whose brother in law, a fire commander, was part of the rescue operation, received her commendation for tackling a man with a hammer in 2003.
It is believed PC Collins also received a commendation in a separate incident.
Brian Docherty, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to the families and friends of all those who have lost loved ones in this tragic incident and especially to the family, friends and colleagues of the air crew.
Steve Williams, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, added: Our thoughts and prayers are with our Scottish colleagues and everyone affected by this unthinkable tragedy.
On behalf of the Police Federation of England and Wales, I wish to offer my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the two police officers, the helicopter pilot and members of the public who have lost their lives.
When officers are lost in the line of duty it affects the whole of the police family and we will do everything we can to support our colleagues at this extremely difficult and sad time.
Sir Hugh Orde, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: Our thoughts are with the people of Glasgow and all those affected by the helicopter crash. The police family will particularly want to praise the emergency services in Glasgow who responded quickly and have worked through the night to respond to this tragic event, as well as the members of the public who came to the aid of those in need.
The Eurocopter EC-135 is used by emergency services all over the world and has an excellent safety record. It was six years old and was Police Scotlands only helicopter.
The National Police Air Service in England and Wales currently uses 19 EC-135s.