Police officers thanked for bravery after drama
Brave police officers who dealt with an incident involving a man allegedly brandishing a chainsaw have been praised for their response.
Two officers were injured following dramatic events in a quiet residential street in Ralston on Monday afternoon.
Chief Superintendent Gordon McCreadie of the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Police Division said: “Incredible response from all officers across divisional boundaries against an immediate threat.
“For legal reasons, I can’t comment, but I can assure those who have been in touch welfare measures are in place and the senior leadership team were immediately deployed to support the team.”
Renfrewshire politicians also spoke out to commend the brave actions of those who responded to the incident.
Scottish Conservative councillor for Paisley Northeast and Ralston, Neill Graham, said: “Like the local community, I was extremely shocked to hear about this incident. My thoughts are with the two police officers who were injured.
“Our hard-working officers never know what they could face in the line of duty and this incident occurring on a Bank Holiday Monday afternoon is a prime example of that.
“My thanks go to them for the swift manner in which they dealt with this and I hope that there will be sufficient resources to ensure that there can be an increased police presence in my ward in light of this.”
Scottish Labour’s West Scotland MSP Neil Bibby said: “I want to thank the police officers – including the two that were injured – that responded to the shocking incident in Paisley.
“Police officers put themselves at risk to keep us safe and I know the community is grateful for their professionalism and bravery.”
SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North Gavin Newlands added: “This was a serious and dangerous incident in Ralston which has resulted in two police officers being injured.
“My grateful thanks to the police for their bravery and my very best wishes to the injured officers for a speedy recovery.”
Liridon Kastrati is alleged to have pursued cops with a weapon on Monday, May 6.
The 30-year-old, of Paisley, faced seven charges when he appeared in private at Paisley Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
As well as being charged with attempted murder, he also faces allegations of being in possession of an offensive weapon, breach of the peace and four road traffic offences.
He was remanded in custody and will appear in court again at a later date.