A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the early-morning incident.
Police sealed off the hospital’s atrium while they dealt with the horror incident.(Image: James Chapelard)
A significant police presence was seen at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after a man armed with a crossbow entered the building earlier this morning.
The force first received reports at around 6.30am on Friday, May 23, and dispatched officers, including specialist firearms officers. The incident took place in the hospital’s atrium, which was briefly sealed off as it was dealt with.
The weapon was not discharged and nobody was injured. A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection, and an investigation is underway.
Several police vehicles were pictured outside the hospital in Govan, with uniformed officers seen preparing to leave the site after the incident had been dealt with.
Some were seen to be apparently returning equipment to their vehicles, which were parked in front of the hospital’s vast main building.
Traffic around the site was briefly diverted, but has since returned to normal. Police Scotland have also reassured there is no risk to the wider public.
Inspector Alyssa Fullelove-McCann said: “I’m aware this incident will be concerning but I’d like to provide reassurance that it is being treated as isolated and there is no ongoing risk to the public.
“Officers will remain in the area while enquiries are carried out and anyone with concerns or information can speak to them or call 101.”
Health board NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which runs the hospital, confirmed it had assisted the force with the incident and that everything was now running as normal.
A spokesperson added: “We would like to thank our security teams for their handling of this incident before officers arrived.”
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Dr Zubir Ahmed, the Scottish Labour MP for Glasgow South West, who is also an NHS transplant surgeon, later shared his reaction to the situation on social media.
He wrote: “I was upset to learn of the incident at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital this morning and the distress that this has caused to my colleagues and constituents.
“I have been reassured by the police that the situation has been dealt with and that there is no ongoing risk to the public and patients.
“My sincere thanks go to local staff and emergency responders for their swift and professional response.”