PC David Whyte receives hospital treatment for serious injuries
A police officer who was seriously injured in a massive stabbing in Glasgow is now in stable condition at the hospital, police said.
PC David Whyte, 42, was injured when he responded to the incident at the city’s Park Inn Hotel on Friday.
He was among six people injured and taken to the hospital. The suspect was shot dead by the police.
Police said five other victims remained in the hospital, one of them in critical condition.
They have been described as three asylum seekers who were staying at the Park Inn Hotel at the time of the attack and two hotel employees.
Officers remained at the scene, on West George Street in the city, on Saturday.
Flowers were left on West George Street, where the attack took place.
Scottish police said PC Whyte was in stable condition at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
The other men injured in the hospital are 18, 20, 38, and 53 years old.
“Everyone remains in the hospital. One is critical but stable, and two are stable, at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Two others are in stable condition at QEUH,” added a police statement.
Nicola Sturgeon wished all the wounded a “complete and speedy recovery.”
Assistant Police Chief Steve Johnson said the incident was not being treated as terrorism and that the police were still investigating the circumstances.
It occurs when the force urged anyone who has witnessed the incident or who has images of the events to send it through the Police Scotland portal.
The investigation has been called Operation Strathenberg.
The incident sparked a large police presence in the city’s George Square on Saturday morning.
A tweet posted by the Greater Glasgow Police account said an order had been imposed under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994 following the recent protests.
“This allows the police to search any person or vehicle within the Glasgow city area until 10:19 am,” the tweet said.
Police were stationed at George Square on Saturday
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Armed police were called to the hotel at 12:50 p.m. Friday after reports of a stabbing – they arrived on the scene in two minutes.
Police said the male suspect died after being shot by specialized force officers.
‘Run to danger’
The 91-room hotel is understood to have housed around 100 asylum seekers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Scottish Police Chief Iain Livingstone praised the “outstanding professionalism” of the officers who responded to the incident.
He said “terrible incidents” such as those seen in Glasgow on Friday were “fortunately, very rare in Scotland.”
He added: “My thoughts and best wishes go to those who have been injured and their families, including our colleague Agent David Whyte, who was seriously injured in the line of duty. I offer my personal support to all concerned.
“Officers have once again risked danger to protect their fellow citizens. Their professionalism as police officers was outstanding. I pay tribute to their bravery, selflessness and commitment to protect the public.”
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