Two feared dead amid 'three linked serious incidents', including crash and hospital lockdown
Two people are feared to have died, as police say they are dealing with three serious incidents in Kilmarnock, including one at University Hospital Crosshouse which was locked down, and a serious crash.
The string of events unfolded this evening between 7.45pm and 8.30pm, and it is understood that the attacker may also be dead.
In the latest incident, a serious road crash took place on the A76 nearby.
Reports on social media suggest there may have been a stabbing outside the hospital, and is not being treated as ‘terrorist-related’.
Police Scotland released a statement on Twitter, saying: “Police Scotland is currently dealing with three potentially linked incidents in the Kilmarnock area.
"The first occurred around 7.45pm outside Crosshouse Hospital, the second around 20 minutes later on Portland Street, and the third, a serious road crash, on the A76, around 8.30pm.
"Enquiries into these incidents are at an early stage and these areas have been cordoned off at this time. There is no cause for concern for the wider community.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran said that ambulances are being diverted to University Hospital Ayr during the lockdown.
Crawford McGuffie, NHS Ayrshire and Arran medical director, said: “NHS Ayrshire and Arran is aware of an incident in the grounds of University Hospital Crosshouse.
“As a result, the hospital has been under lockdown, and ambulances diverted to University Hospital Ayr.
“We are assisting Police Scotland with their investigations, and to ensure the safety of staff, patients and visitors.
“As this is a Police Scotland incident, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”
Police urged people to avoid the area.