Officer hurt as man stabs six people
Praise for prompt action by emergency services
CRIME: An investigation is under way after a man stabbed six people in a Glasgow hotel before being shot dead by police.
Men aged 17 to 53 were attacked by a man who was then killed by an armed police officer. The victims included a 42-yearold police officer who was last night said to be in a stable condition in hospital.
AN INVESTIGATION is under way today after a man with a knife stabbed six people in a Glasgow hotel before being shot dead by police.
Men aged 17 to 53 were attacked at the Park Inn Hotel in the city by a man who was then killed by an armed police officer.
The stabbing victims included a 42-year-old police officer who was last night said to be in a stable condition in hospital.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon both spoke of their shock and said investigations would continue but it was confirmed the incident was not being treated as a terrorist attack.
Police said there is no danger to the public, with officers in attendance in West George Street in the city centre yesterday afternoon.
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.
Ms 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.”
She added: “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 underway.”
Ms Sturgeon also said the police response “undoubtedly ensured that a very, very serious incident didn’t become much worse”.
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.”
Tom Flanagan Kartunnen, of the Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Police Scotland has confirmed the incident has been contained and there is no further threat to the public. During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the hotel has been occupied for temporary housing.”
The incident is not being treated as terrorism
Glasgow’ Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson