Six in hospital following incident at Park Inn Hotel
Constable David Whyte has been named as the police officer seriously injured in yesterday’s stabbing attack at a Glasgow hotel. The 42-year-old officer’s condition is described as ‘critical but stable’.
PC Whyte was one of six people injured in the attack at the Park Inn hotel, which is currently housing asylum seekers. The suspect was shot dead by police.
Late last night, Chief Constable Iain Livingstone made the following statement on the incidents in West George Street, Glasgow:
“Terrible incidents such as we have seen today are, thankfully, very rare in Scotland. This event has understandably shocked the people of Glasgow, and indeed, the whole country.
“My thoughts and very best wishes are with those who have been injured and their families, including our colleague Constable David Whyte who was seriously injured in the course of doing his duty. I offer my personal support to all those affected.
“Officers have once again run into danger to protect their fellow citizens. Their professionalism as police officers was outstanding. I pay tribute to their bravery, selflessness and commitment to protecting the public.
“I briefed the First Minister and the Prime Minister earlier today on the circumstances and advised them both that we are not treating the attack as a terrorist incident.
“It is essential enquiries are now carried out to establish the full circumstances and all speculation must be avoided.
“Scotland is a safe place to live and work. We have cohesive communities who work with their police service to maintain our peaceful and respectful way of life.
“In the context of the current health emergency, and to respect those injured today and the people of Glasgow, I ask everyone to exercise personal responsibility. Please, do not gather in crowds this weekend.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has responded to the serious incident in Glasgow’s West George Street.
The First Minister 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. The Justice Secretary and I have been kept informed through the afternoon and briefed by the Chief Constable.
“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 underway.”
10 Downing Street issued the following statement:
The PM has this afternoon spoken with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about the incident in Glasgow.
He has also held a meeting with the Home Secretary and senior police officers, in which he was updated. The Prime Minister thanked the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Iain Livingstone, for the exceptional bravery of his officers at the scene.
The PM’s thoughts remain with the injured and their loved ones.