Armed police have shot and killed a suspect after six people, including an officer, were left in hospital following a major incident in Glasgow city centre.
The force sealed off a hotel on West George Street on Friday afternoon, with paramedics in suits seen treating a person on a pavement stained with blood.
Members of the public have been told to “avoid the area” amid reports the police officer was “stabbed”.
The attack is not being treated as terrorism, police say.
Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said armed officers shot a suspect. The man has been confirmed dead.
He also confirmed a police officer is among six people in hospital being treated for injuries.
Chief Constable Johnson added: “We are continuing to deal with the incident on West George Street, Glasgow, and would ask people to avoid the area.
“However, I would like to reassure the public that this is a contained incident and that the wider public is not at risk.
“Armed police officers attended the incident and I can confirm that a male suspect was shot by an armed officer.
“I would like to reassure the public that at this time we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.
The reports from Glasgow City Centre are truly dreadful. My thoughts are with everyone involved. I am being updated as the situation becomes clearer. Please help the emergency services do their jobs by staying away from the area – and please don’t share unconfirmed information.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 26, 2020
“I can also confirm that a police officer was injured while dealing with the incident and that officer is receiving treatment in hospital.”
He later added: “The individual who was shot by armed police has died. Six other people are in hospital for treatment to their injuries including a police officer, who is in a critical but stable condition.
“We are continuing to deal with the incident on West George Street, Glasgow, and would ask people to avoid the area. We would urge the public not to speculate about this incident or share unconfirmed information on social media.”
The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said they had received reports an officer had been stabbed at the scene.
The officer’s family has been made aware.
A Twitter post from the federation, which represents rank and file officers, reads: “We are aware of reports a police officer has been stabbed in an incident in Glasgow city centre.
“Our officials are in attendance to provide all necessary support. Please allow our colleagues the space to do their jobs.
“Further updates will be provided when we are able to do so.”
Later on Friday afternoon, SPF chairman David Hamilton confirmed the injured officer is male.
He 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.”
We are aware of reports a police officer has been stabbed in an incident in #Glasgow city centre. Our officials are in attendance to provide all necessary support. Please allow our collages the space to do their jobs. Further updates will be provided when we are able to do so.
— ScotsPolFed (@ScotsPolFed) June 26, 2020
We appreciate families of police officers in #Glasgow will be anxious to hear that a police officer has been stabbed. Please be aware the family of the officer has been notified and is being supported by the service.
— ScotsPolFed (@ScotsPolFed) June 26, 2020
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The reports from Glasgow city centre are truly dreadful.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved. I am being updated as the situation becomes clearer. Please help the emergency services do their jobs by staying away from the area — and please don’t share unconfirmed information.”
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 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, or what it was.”
Mr Milroy said the man was one of the four taken away by medics and believed him to be a victim of an attack.
He added: “After that we saw commotion, ambulances further up and we saw armed police all running into the hotel next to the Society Room.
“We were still standing outside, after that the police all came down, the riot police and triage team told us to go back in and lock the door.”
Glasgow city centre pic.twitter.com/tAbZCo8VZy
— Jamie O'Neill (@jays_the_one) June 26, 2020
A traffic information bulletin issued by Glasgow City Council said: “Due to a serious police incident the following roads are currently closed until further notice.
“West George Street – between Hope Street and West Nile Street.
“Renfield Street – between West Regent Street and St Vincent Street.
“Renfield Street traffic is being diverted onto West Nile Street and road users should avoid the area if possible.”
More to follow.
