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REX/Adam Shaw
UK News

Prayers as bin lorry crashes into shoppers

Police Scotland has confirmed there is an "ongoing serious incident" in Glasgow's George Square close to Queen Street Station and that there are a "number of fatalities." 

Superintendent Stewart Carle said: "I can't confirm how many fatalities there have been because it is over a number of sites."

He added: "It's a road traffic accident, nothing more sinister."

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Revd Dr Colin Dow from Glasgow City Free Church told Premier: "It's too raw to even think about it at the moment.

"When you think about things like this, you just have to think, why oh Lord?

"How long will these things happen? Last year we had the Clutha crash here in Glasgow and this year we've got this.

"And you want the Lord to bring peace to these people at Christmas because their families are going to be absolutely devastated."

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Revd John Chalmers, said: "The news from the city centre of Glasgow just a few days before Christmas is simply devastating.

"For the second year in a row Glaswegians will have to dig deep into their reserves of compassion and sympathy as they support the families of those who have been killed and injured today

"I am sure that in these circumstances the churches and faith communities of Glasgow would do all that they could to bring support and comfort to those caught up in this tragedy and that all round Scotland and beyond; Glasgow would be remembered in the prayers of the people."

Glasgow's Catholic Archbishop Philip Tartaglia said: "I was shocked and horrified to hear the news of this incident. My heart breaks for all those who have been directly caught up in it as they go about their business just a few days before Christmas in the centre of Glasgow.

"The circumstances could hardly be more tragic. I would ask any person of faith to pray for those who have died and their relatives and those who have been injured."

Eyewitnesses described bodies lying in the road and 'hundreds' of emergency services.

A police statement said: "A Glasgow City Council bin lorry was travelling north on Queen Street when it appeared to strike pedestrians outside the Gallery of Modern Art (Goma) before continuing to travel towards George Square, when it crashed at the Millennium Hotel on Queen Street at George Square."

The Scottish Fire Service tweeted: "Firefighters are in attendance at a serious incident in Queen Street, Glasgow. Our crews are working alongside other emergency responders."

REX/Georgina Paton

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts with everyone involved in dreadful George Square incident. If you are in city centre, please let your relatives know you are OK."

Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy, who's a Catholic, tweeted: "There is a major incident in Glasgow's George Square. Multiple emergency services on the scene. Thoughts & prayers with everyone injured."

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I'm being kept fully briefed on the major incident in Glasgow. My thoughts are with the families of those involved and the emergency services."

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "Terrible news from Glasgow - my thoughts are with all those affected by this horrific accident."

Police have issued a major incident hotline if you're worried about anyone: 01786 289 070

Revd Dr Colin Dow from Glasgow City Free Church speaking to Premier's Antony Bushfield:

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