LONDON (Reuters) – Scottish police blocked University Hospital Crosshouse and a main street in Kilmarnock on Thursday as they dealt with what they said were three potentially related serious incidents.
The first occurred outside the hospital at 7:45 pm, Police Scotland said, followed by a second about 20 minutes later on Portland Street, and the third, a serious road accident, on the A76 road around 8:30 pm.
“We can confirm that ongoing incidents in the Kilmarnock area are not being treated as terrorists,” said the police.
They said the investigations are at an early stage and the areas have been isolated. “There is no cause for concern for the community at large,” they added.
Scottish Justice Minister Humza Yousaf advised the public to avoid Crosshouse Hospital and Portland Street, saying the police were participating in a very serious incident.
Scottish Sun reported that the hospital was closed amid reports of stabbing.
Reporting by Derek Francis in Bengaluru and Paul Sandle in London; Editing by Chris Reese and Sam Holmes