ONE person was stabbed and a hospital placed in lockdown as police dealt with three serious “potentially linked incidents” in Ayrshire.
The PA news agency reported at least one person was stabbed during one of the incidents which took place in and around Kilmarnock on Thursday night.
The first happened at around 7.45pm outside University Hospital Crosshouse, which was locked down for several hours.
Another incident took place around 20 minutes later on Portland Street in Kilmarnock, before a serious road crash happened on the A76 at around 8.30pm.
Police said the incidents are not being treated as terrorist-related. While inquiries are at an early stage, officers added that there is no cause for concern for the wider community.
READ MORE: Rangers' administrator doubts proper investigation will take place
On Friday morning, the hospital’s A&E department and main entrance were open and running as normal while two police vans full of officers remained outside with police tape around part of the car park.
Shortly after 10.30pm on Thursday, NHS Ayrshire and Arran said the hospital lockdown was lifted after police said it was safe to do so.
Ambulances were diverted to University Hospital Ayr while the measure was in place.
Crawford McGuffie, NHS Ayrshire and Arran medical director, said on Thursday: “Following the police incident earlier this evening, University Hospital Crosshouse was put under lockdown.
“Police Scotland have confirmed the risk to patients, staff and visitors to the hospital is minimal, and so this lockdown has been lifted.
“There remains a large police presence on the grounds of the hospital.
“We would like to reassure anyone coming to the hospital, in particular to any patients or staff coming on shift, that Police Scotland have confirmed it is safe to do so. However, if you are worried, please speak to the onsite Police Scotland officers.
“As this is a Police Scotland incident, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”
Several roads in the area remain closed including Portland Street, where the second incident occurred, and surrounding streets.
READ MORE: The Union Unit has shown itself to be useless – but beware its dirty tricks
East Ayrshire Council tweeted: “Due to serious incidents in Kilmarnock, Police Scotland has advised of the following road closures: West George Street, Portland Street & Union Street closed to all traffic.
“Garden Street leading to Hill Street & Portland Street also closed & no access to & from Witch Rd area.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “My thoughts are with those involved in these very serious incidents in Crosshouse/Kilmarnock.
“Please help @AyrshirePolice do their job by following the advice to stay away from the areas affected.”
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman added: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the serious incident in Crosshouse/Kilmarnock tonight and my thanks to police and healthcare staff who are dealing with this.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here