Glasgow stabbings: Police not treating incident as terrorism

Police responded to the incident on West George Street last week

Investigations are underway after a stabbing attack in Glasgow city centre.

A male suspect was shot dead by police, with six people hospitalised following the incident.

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said a male police officer was among those injured and their family has been informed.

The officer is in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Police say the incident has been contained and there is no further risk to the public.

They are not treating it as terrorism.

The incident in West George Street #Glasgow is not being treated as terrorism. The investigation is continuing. pic.twitter.com/wE2zjPI4PL

— Police Scotland (@policescotland) June 26, 2020

Officers attended the scene at the Park Inn hotel in the city’s West George Street on Friday afternoon.

While the hotel was closed to guests due to the pandemic, it was acting as emergency accommodation for asylum seekers.

Images and video posted on social media showed a large police presence from the early afternoon, including armed officers.

Glasgow city centre pic.twitter.com/Kdk2Kn6FHn

— Jamie O'Neill (@jays_the_one) June 26, 2020

Police Scotland 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 incident is not being treated as a terrorism and our investigation is continuing into the circumstances. 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 to investigate.”

SPF chairman David Hamilton said in a statement: “Whilst there is understandable and considerable public interest in the major incident in Glasgow earlier today, our focus at this time is in assisting the family of our colleague who has been seriously injured.

“This is obviously an anxious time for them and we ask that they be left alone as their attentions are very obviously directed towards the care of their loved one.

“Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with our colleague, his family and friends, and all colleagues affected by this incident at this time.”

Armed police officers leave the Park Inn hotel

West George Street remains closed to traffic, between Hope Street and West Nile Street, as well as Renfield Street, between West Regent Street and St Vincent Street.

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “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.”

Nicola Sturgeon praises police response to Glasgow city centre attack

She added: “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.”

Please do not circulate rumours or hearsay of the incident in Glasgow, Police Scotland will share information publically as and when appropriate.

Here is the latest from ACC Steve Johnson. https://t.co/bCxHpHT0pp

— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) June 26, 2020

Responding to the incident, 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.”

Scotland’s Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The incident in Glasgow is not being treated by Police as terrorism.

“Depressingly yet predictably some are using horrific incident to further their far-right agenda.

“Glasgow won’t stand for your divisive hatred, so don’t even try it. Let’s keep victims & families in our thoughts.”