Glasgow stabbings: Injured police officer says he'll 'never forget' scene at hotel

42-year-old Constable David Whyte was injured during the stabbing attack in Glasgow.

Constable David Whyte, 42, was one of six men injured in the attack at the Park Inn Hotel, West George Street, Glasgow, on Friday.

He remains in hospital where his condition has now improved from critical to stable.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, he said he did what “all officers are trained for” and praised his colleagues for putting themselves in harm’s way to try and contain the incident while also tending to his injuries.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to PC David Whyte who is in stable condition in hospital after being wounded in a multiple stabbing attack in Glasgow on Friday. PIC: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The statement said: “The incident myself and colleague faced in West George Street was extremely challenging. The scene we were confronted with is something I will never forget.

“As the first responders on scene, myself and my colleague did what all officers are trained for – to save lives.

“I would like to thank my colleagues who put themselves in harm’s way to contain this incident and assist with the vital treatment given to myself and others at the scene by other emergency services.

“Despite suffering serious injuries myself, I know that the swift actions of colleagues saved lives and prevented a far more serious incident.”

Police Constable David Whyte, 42, was one of six people injured during the incident at the Park Inn Hotel in West George Street.

He also thanked staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for their “outstanding care”.

The officer added: “Finally, I would like to thank the public for all their kind messages of support and for the good wishes from all at Police Scotland. It means a lot and has brought myself and my family great comfort at this difficult time.”

Three asylum seekers and two members of hotel staff were also injured in the attack.

The suspect, believed to be in his 20s and from Sudan, was shot dead by police at the scene.

It has now been claimed that he warned of carrying out the attack on Thursday night with hotel staff informed of the threat.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon praised the officer for his bravery.

Ms Sturgeon tweeted today: "My thoughts today remain with Constable Whyte - whose bravery we are all deeply grateful for - and the other people who sustained injuries in yesterday's terrible incident. I wish them all a full and speedy recovery."

Police are appealing for anyone with footage of the scene following a mass stabbing in Glasgow to come forward.

The hotel is being used to house asylum seekers during the Coronavirus outbreak given the difficulty in securing tenancies and rented accommodation over lockdown.

The Mears Group, which has the Home Office contract to house asylum seekers in Glasgow, said it was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the tragic events.

A statement added: "We are contracted by the Home Office to provide housing and support services to asylum seekers in Scotland. We will not anticipate a live police investigation, but we can confirm that the attack happened in a hotel where we are housing asylum seekers during the lockdown period.”

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