Glasgow police say stabbings not terror-related.

Six people injured and suspect shot dead after afternoon attack in city centre hotel currently housing asylum seekers

A major incident in Glasgow in which a suspect was shot dead and six people injured is not being treated as terrorism by police.

Police Scotland said a male suspect was shot by an armed unit and an officer is in a critical but stable condition.

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) confirmed a male officer had been stabbed and his family has been informed.

All six injured people, including the 42-year-old officer, are being treated in hospital.

The other victims were men aged 17, 18, 20, 38 and 53.

Police said there is no danger to the public, with officers in attendance in West George Street in the city centre yesterday afternoon.

The incident happened at the Park Inn Hotel in West George Street.

A spokeswoman for campaign group Positive Action In Housing said the 91-room hotel was housing asylum seekers for the Mears Group, which moved them there during the coronavirus lockdown.

The organisation has declined to comment on the situation.

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.

“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 under way.”

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.”

Assistant chief constable Steve Johnson said: “Officers were on the scene within two minutes, and armed officers shortly afterwards, and the incident was quickly contained.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those who were injured, including our officer. The incident is not being treated as 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.”

One witness, who gave his name as John, told the PA news agency he saw two people stabbed in the hotel.

He said he came down from the third floor of the hotel to see the reception covered in blood.

“One receptionist had been stabbed behind the receptionist desk,” he said.

“And then when I went down to the entrance I shouted at him and told him to stay calm and I will call for help.

“When I went to the entrance I saw another receptionist was fighting for his life and had been stabbed.”

Witness Craig Milroy, who saw the aftermath of the incident from an office building nearby, said he had seen four people taken away in ambulances.

He told the PA news agency: “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.”

Mr Milroy added the man was one of the four taken away by medics and believed him to be a victim of an attack.

A Home Office spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident at West George Street in Glasgow, which is currently being investigated by the police.”

Tom Flanagan Karttunen, of the Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic event that happened today on West George Street in Glasgow.

“During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the hotel has been occupied for temporary housing.”

Pictures: SNS/PA. The major incident that left six people injured in hospital is not being treated as terrorism, said police, after suggestions to the contrary on social media.