Man arrested as two police officers left seriously injured after being ‘stabbed’ in Greenock

A MAN has been arrested after two police officers were allegedly stabbed while dealing with a call-out.

The two officers, a man and a woman, are in hospital following the incident in Greenock, Inverclyde on Friday morning.

The pair are said to be in a serious condition, with one transferred from the local Royal Inverclyde Hospital to Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.

Police said a 43-year-old man had been detained following an incident at a house in the town’s Gateside Gardens.

Officers attended the scene at 8:45 on Friday morning, supporting colleagues from a partner agency.

The “incredible bravery” of the two injured officers has been praised by their fellow officers and politicians.

Police said the incident was not terror-related and there is no risk to the wider public.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “Our thoughts are with our injured colleagues and their families at this time.

“A 43-year-old man has been arrested and is currently being assessed at a local hospital.

“I would like to stress that this incident is not being treated as terrorist-related and was contained without further risk to the public.

“I would like to take this opportunity to publicly praise the incredible bravery shown by these two officers during the extremely difficult and challenging situation they faced this morning.

“They have been seriously injured going about their daily duties and both they and their colleagues have demonstrated courage and the utmost professionalism both during and after this incident.

“They receive the thanks and support of everyone at Police Scotland.

“This incident demonstrates the commitment of our officers to keep our communities safe.”

A large section of Gateside Gardens has been cordoned off and several police vehicles remain in the area.

A team of forensic officers could be seen examining a section of Grieve Road where a shoe and an item of clothing lay in the street.

ACC Higgins added: “I’d like to reassure the public that a major investigation is underway into this incident and high-visibility patrols are being carried out in the local area.

“I would ask anyone with information to please contact officers at Greenock Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 0796 of 1 June 2018.”

Andrea MacDonald, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Our thoughts are with the injured officers and their families. Once again we see how difficult and dangerous a job it is.

“Police officers put themselves between other professionals and the public and dangerous individuals, sometimes with life-changing consequences for themselves and their families. We wish our colleagues a speedy and full recovery.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “My thoughts and best wishes for a full recovery are with the two police officers injured on duty in Greenock today.

“This is a reminder of the vital but often dangerous job our police men and women do, and what a huge debt of gratitude we owe to them.”

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf tweeted: “Really hope our brave officers pull through and recover.

“Easy to forget the courage of our Police men and women who put themselves in harms way for our safety on a daily basis.”