Glasgow incident: Man shot dead by armed police after six injured in multiple stabbing

PC David Whyte left in critical condition after attack at Park Inn hotel

A man has been shot dead by police after multiple stabbings at a hotel in Glasgow city centre.

Police Scotland said six victims were being treated for injuries in hospital, including a police officer left in a critical condition.

The attack, which police are not treating as terrorism, started at the Park Inn hotel on West George Street shortly before 1pm on Friday.

Police were on the scene within two minutes and armed officers shot the suspect dead.

Constable David Whyte, 42, suffered serious stab injuries and remained in hospital in a critical but stable condition on Friday evening.

A 17-year-old boy was among the other victims, with the others ages 18, 20, 38 and 53.

The chief constable of Police Scotland, Iain Livingstone, paid tribute to PC Whyte and the other officers who responded to the attack.

“Terrible incidents such as we have seen today are, thankfully, very rare in Scotland,” he said. “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.”

Earlier the force confirmed the incident was not being treated as terrorism and declared there was “no wider risk to the public”.

Scotland’s Police Investigations and Review Commissioner has launched an investigation into the incident, which is routine for all fatal police shootings.

Armed police were seen entering the Park Inn hotel during the incident, while workers in surrounding offices were ordered to stay inside.

One witness, who gave his name as John, said two people who he believed to be staff members had been stabbed inside the hotel.

Police closed off party of Glasgow city centre following the stabbings (PA)

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

“One receptionist had been stabbed behind the reception 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.”

Mohammad N Asif, chair of Afghan Human Rights Foundation, wrote on Twitter that it was being used to house asylum seekers during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am told by an asylum seeker resident in the hotel that they are not allowed to speak to anyone, he said many people have been stabbed by knives,” he added.

Campaign group Positive Action In Housing confirmed that the 91-room hotel was housing asylum seekers for the Mears Group, which moved them there during the coronavirus lockdown.

Craig Milroy, who witnessed 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, 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.”

David Hamilton, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said it was supporting the family of the injured officer.

“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,” he added.

“Our thoughts, prayers, and best wishes are with our colleague, his family and friends, and all colleagues affected by this incident at this time.”

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, wrote on Twitter: ““My thoughts are with all those who have been injured in the incident in Glasgow today.

“My sincere thanks go to our emergency services. The injury of a Police Scotland officer is a reminder of the great bravery our police officers show every day as they work to keep us safe.”

Boris Johnson said: “My thoughts are with all the victims and their families.”

A Number 10 spokesperson added that the prime minister had spoken to Ms Sturgeon, the home secretary and senior police officers about the attack.

“The prime minister thanked the chief constable of Police Scotland, Iain Livingstone, for the exceptional bravery of his officers at the scene,” they added.

A representative of the Radisson Hotel Group, the parent company of Park Inn hotel, said it was being used as temporary housing.

Area senior vice president Tom Flanagan Karttunen added: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic event that happened today on West George Street in Glasgow.

“We are working with the hotel owner and all the relevant local authorities, including Police Scotland, to support the investigation.”