CROSSHOUSE Hospital was in lockdown this evening after a major incident.
Reports suggest that two people at the Ayrshire hospital have been injured in a reported stabbing.
It is not yet known how serious the injuries are or whether police have detained anyone.
Police have confirmed that the ongoing incidents in the Kilmarnock area - one at the hospital and one in Portland Street, as well as a serious crash on the A76 - are not being treated as terrorist-related, although they are potentially linked.
Crawford McGuffie, NHS Ayrshire and Arran Medical Director, said: "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."
Police Scotland is currently dealing with 3 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.
— Police Scotland (@policescotland) February 4, 2021
Police urged people to avoid the area.
Police Scotland tweeted: “Police Scotland is currently dealing with 3 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."
They added: "We can confirm the ongoing incidents in the Kilmarnock area are not being treated as terrorist-related."
Scottish Labour candidate Kevin McGregor tweeted: “Worrying reports of stabbings in the #Kilmarnock and #Crosshouse areas this evening.
“Please everyone take care and stay vigilant.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also responded to the incident.
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. https://t.co/g2Q3J914o4
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) February 4, 2021
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