Kilmarnock stabbing: Two women killed and man dies in linked incidents, police confirm
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Three people have died in a series of related incidents that unfolded in Kilmarnock, Scotland, on Thursday evening, including at least one stabbing.
In a statement on Friday, Police Scotland confirmed that three incidents that occurred in quick succession on Thursday night were linked, with each incident resulting in a death. Officers are not looking for anyone else as part of their investigation.
Police said they initially responded to an incident at University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock after receiving a report that a 39-year-old woman had been found injured in the hospital's car park.
She received medical care but died at the scene.
The second incident unfolded 20 minutes later on the nearby Portland Street, where a 24-year-old woman was stabbed.
The woman was rushed to University Hospital Crosshouse, but died of her injuries.
A third incident, a fatal road crash, later unfolded on the C50, a road between the B7036 and the A76.
Emergency services responded, but a 40-year-old man driving one of the vehicles involved was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police had been investigating whether the incidents were connected, having ruled out any terror link, and on Friday, they confirmed that they were.
The series of incidents had prompted a lockdown of the Crosshouse hospital. However, the measures were lifted at around 10.30pm.
In a statement published to Twitter on Friday, morning, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon offered her condolences to those affected by the tragedies.
"Dreadful news. My thoughts are with the bereaved," she said.
"Thinking too of everyone at Crosshouse Hospital, already dealing with the tough circumstances of Covid. I’m also grateful to our emergency services," she added.
The first minister advised residents to follow Police Scotland for further information.
By Friday morning, AP reported that University Hospital Crosshouse's A&E department and main entrance were open and operating as normal.
Two police vans full of officers remained outside the hospital, however, with police tape surrounding part of the car park.
Police have sought to reassure anyone planning to visit the hospital that it is safe to do so.
"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," the department said in a statement to PA.
"As this is a Police Scotland incident, we are unable to comment any further at this time," the police force added.
While the hospital is back up and running, several roads in the area remained closed as of Friday morning. Among them was Portland street, where the second incident took place.