“Firstly, my thoughts tonight are with those who have been affected by this terrible incident and those who have responded so professionally in such difficult circumstances.

“At 10.25pm yesterday evening, the Police Scotland helicopter – a Eurocopter EC135 T2 – came down on the roof of the Clutha Vaults pub in Stockwell Street, Glasgow.

“There were three people on board – two police officers and a civilian pilot. There were a number of customers inside the bar at the time.

“We are co-ordinating the operation tonight with colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service, who are working to make the scene safe and recover people from the scene.

“That rescue operation is clearly ongoing. It is too early at this stage to provide any details around why the helicopter came down.

“I can confirm there are a number of casualties but it is too early at this stage to provide further details. We will provide further updates at the appropriate time.

“A full investigation has already begun and this is being carried out jointly between Police Scotland and the Air Accident Investigation Branch, under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

“Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service are currently fully engaged in the operation.

“Specialist teams from fire and ambulance services are on the scene. Work is ongoing to make the building safe.

“We are also working closely with partners in the local health service and local authority.”

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