UPDATE - Scotland stabbing: Policeman injured, 3 others killed

UPDATES WITH MORE STATEMENTS, CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK

By Karim El-Bar

LONDON (AA) – Scotland’s largest city Glasgow was the center of a major incident on Friday as at least three people were stabbed to death, and six others injured with stab wounds, including a police officer.

Police swarmed the city centre and armed police were seen storming a hotel there on a road called West George Street, which has also been shut down.

Local media reported that police were forced to shoot a suspect.

LBC reporter Fraser Knight tweeted: “Reports of multiple stabbings in Glasgow City Centre and a potential major incident with upwards of 20 police vehicles, riot shields, armed officers and paramedics on West George Street.”

A woman called Louisa told local media: “I saw people treated with blood on them. People coming out of the hotel with police shouting put your hands up. There were police cars and ambulances all over the street.

Scottish police said at the outset of the incident: “Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident on West George Street in Glasgow. The street is currently closed off and the public are asked to avoid the area at present. The situation is contained at this time and there is no danger to the general public.”

Assistant chief constable Steve Johnson later said in a statement: “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.”

Scottish Police Federation chairman David Hamilton said in a statement that the injured officer was male, adding: “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.”

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

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “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.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter: “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.”