-This artcile was initially published on the 26/06/2020 on the UNN app-
A man has been shot dead by armed police after a mass stabbing attack at a hotel in Glasgow city centre.
Six people are being treated in hospital for their injuries, including a 42-year-old police officer who was said to be “critical but stable”.
Reports indicated that three people had lost their lives after the attack with many more injured. UNN understands that the other injured men in hospital are aged 17, 18, 20, 38 and 53.
A police spokesman said the situation was “contained” and there was no danger to the public, the police also stated the incident was not been treated as terrorism.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said: “Police responded to a report of an incident at the Park Inn Hotel in West George Street, Glasgow, at 12.50pm today.
“Officers were on the scene within two minutes, and armed officers shortly afterwards, and the incident was quickly contained.
“A man was shot by armed police and has died. Six other men are in hospital for treatment, including a 42-year-old police officer, who is in a critical but stable condition. The officer’s family is aware.
“The other men in hospital are aged 17, 18, 20, 38 and 53. Liaison officers have been appointed. “Our thoughts are with the families of those who were injured, including our officer.
“The other men in hospital are aged 17, 18, 20, 38 and 53. Liaison officers have been appointed.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those who were injured, including our officer.
“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 to investigate.”
A witness Craig Milroy, saw the aftermath of the incident from an office building nearby and said he had seen four people taken away in ambulances.
He said: “I saw a man lying on the ground, of African descent, with no shoes on. He was on the ground with someone holding his side – I don’t know if it was a bullet wound, a stab wound, or what it was.”
He added: “After that we saw commotion, ambulances further up and we saw armed police all running into the hotel next to the Society Room.
“We were still standing outside, after that the police all came down, the riot police and triage team told us to go back in and lock the door.”
David Hamilton, Scottish Police Federation chairman, said the incident was “what you dread as a police officer going into a scene like this.
“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.”
The 91-room hotel is understood to have been housing about 100 asylum seekers during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Refugee Survival Trust has said it is checking in with residents who were staying at the Park Inn Hotel where the incident is believed to have taken place.
The Trust said via Twitter: “We are currently checking in with all the Park Inn residents that we know. Glasgow – let’s find ways to make sure everyone affected gets the support they need right now.”
The Scottish First Minister has released a statement via Twitter, she wrote: “My thoughts are with all those who have been injured in the incident in Glasgow today. My sincere thanks go to our emergency services. The injury of a @policescotland officer is a reminder of the great bravery our police officers show every day as they work to keep us safe.
“Please follow @policescotland for official updates. Some of the information that has been circulating is unconfirmed/inaccurate – and the situation is serious enough without that. And let’s all keep the injured and their families uppermost in our thoughts.”
The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has spoken out against the attack, she 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.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent his condolences to the victims and their families, he wrote: “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.”
UPDATE:
A police officer who was critically injured in a mass stabbing in Glasgow is now in a stable condition in hospital, police have said.
PC David Whyte, who is 42, was hurt as he responded to the incident at the city’s Park Inn Hotel on Friday.
Police said another five casualties remained in hospital, one of them in a critical condition.
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Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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