A mother and daughter have been stabbed to death before a man crashed a car into a viaduct in a suspected double murder-suicide.
Nurse Emma Robertson Coupland, 39, was knifed outside Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, Scotland, at 7.45pm.
Her daughter Nicole Anderson, 24, was attacked 20 minutes later near a takeaway shop she worked at and died in hospital.
A 40-year-old man crashed a car under a viaduct and police said he died at the scene at around 8.30pm.
Police said inquiries so far suggest the incidents are linked and officers are not looking for anyone else as part of their investigation.
Local journalist Alex Tiffin said on Twitter he had been told by a police source the events were linked to a ‘domestic incident’.
The two women have been named locally as Nicole Anderson (left) and her mother, Emma Robertson Coupland (right)
Nurse Emma Robertson Coupland (left) was knifed outside Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, Scotland, at 7.45pm. Right, Her daughter Nicole Anderson, 24, was attacked 20 minutes later near a takeaway shop she worked at and died in hospital
Emma Robertson Coupland pictured with her daughter Nicole as a baby
Police forensics officers at the scene of a fatal stabbing in Portland Street, Kilmarnock, in west Scotland
Minutes later officers rushed to another incident under a viaduct (pictured this morning) on Portland Street in the centre of Kilmarnock. This incident reportedly also involved a stabbing
It is unclear if the incidents are connected, however they are not being treated as ‘terrorist-related’
Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain said: ‘A number of locations remain cordoned off as officers continue to conduct enquiries.
‘We are working to confirm the full circumstances of what has happened. If anyone has any information which could assist our enquiries, please do contact us.
‘Understandably, people will be shocked by what has happened. We are still in the process of establishing the full circumstances.
‘I would like to reassure people there is no wider threat to the community. Officers will be on patrol and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.’
Tributes poured in for the dead mother and daughter, with a relative saying: ”I’m totally broken my God man this cannot be happening.
‘We argued like all the time but you’re my only sister, my first niece. Please man tell me I’m dreaming, no way man.’
Another male family member posted: ‘Honestly can’t even put into words how I’m feeling.
‘Absolutely devastated to say the least got the worst news of my life yesterday I just can’t take it in.
‘I’ve lost wee cousin, my childhood best friend, my wee sister and my saviour all in one!! She was the most loving caring person in this world, and never had a smile off her face! You’re gonna be one missed girl Nicole.
‘Best lassie to walk this planet without a doubt, my wee go too is gone I’ll make sure your memory is never forgotten and look after your little sisters for you and your mum, love you forever and a day beautiful.’
Mother Emma Robertson was found injured in the car park of University Hospital Crosshouse, near Kilmarnock but she died at the scene. Her daughter, left, died a short time later
In a second incident 20 minutes later in Kilmarnock, Ms Anderson, 24, was stabbed
The pair were killed on the same evening in what is believed to be a murder suicide
Friends have been left heartbroken by the tragedy and have shared tributes on social media
Pictured: Forensic officers remain at the scene today
A friend wrote: ‘I’m so sorry. She was the most amazing lassie I knew, thoughts to all your family I’m heartbroken.’
Another said: ‘Thinking of you, my heart is broken for you all. RIP Nicole, she was smiling.’
One posted: ‘Nicole was a great girl and she will be sorely missed.’
And one added: ‘I’ve known Nicole for years, such a beautiful girl. I’m so in shock. I’m sending all my love and hugs. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.’
NHS Ayrshire and Arran said last night ambulances had been diverted to University Hospital Ayr.
A witness at the hospital told the Daily Record: ‘I was picking someone up when a member of medical staff was stabbed. The whole place is on lockdown.
‘Armed police are there and they’re sending everyone away from the area.’
Another witness told Ayrshire Live: ‘There are between 10 and 15 police vans sitting on the edge of the Moorfield Estate which is about half-a-mile away from the hospital.
‘It looks like an officer is standing guard outside the A&E department at the hospital. I’ve lived round here for a while and never seen anything like this.’
Dozens of police cars and ambulances from other hospitals rushed to the scene following reports of a nurse being stabbed in the grounds of the hospital
Dozens of police cars and emergency vehicles surrounded University Hospital Crosshouse near Kilmarnock
The relatives of those involved have been informed.
A statement on Thursday night from police said the incidents are not being treated as terrorist-related.
The hospital was locked down following the first incident, but that was lifted at around 10.30pm when police declared it safe to do so.
On Friday morning, the hospital’s A&E department and main entrance were open and running as normal while two police vans full of officers remained outside with police tape around part of the car park.
Ahead of the daily Scottish Government coronavirus briefing at Friday lunchtime, Deputy First Minister John Swinney spoke about the ‘dreadful’ events.
He said: ‘A tragedy like this would be impossible to understand at any time, but after the events of the past year it is particularly shocking that such an incident has taken place at an NHS hospital.
‘An investigation is of course ongoing, however Police Scotland have confirmed that the site at Crosshouse Hospital is secure and it is safe for patients and staff to go there.
‘For now I simply want to thank the police officers and all of the medical staff who were involved in the response to this incident for all that they contributed and to express my sympathy to the staff of the hospital for the trauma to which they are having to come to terms.
‘And again I want to send my deepest condolences to the family and the friends of those who have been killed.’
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: ‘Dreadful news. My thoughts are with the bereaved.
‘Thinking too of everyone at Crosshouse Hospital, already dealing with the tough circumstances of Covid. I’m also grateful to our emergency services. Please continue to follow ?@policescotland? advice.’
Downing Street said Boris Johnson’s thoughts are with those involved.
A Number 10 spokesman said: ‘The Prime Minister’s thoughts are with all those involved and he thanks the police and the healthcare staff for their response.’
The scene on Portland Street in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, where 24-year-old Nicole was stabbed and later died in hospital
Several roads in Kilmarnock town centre remain closed – including Portland Street, West George Street and Garden Street via Hill Street – as well as where the crash occurred, with diversions in place.
An East Ayrshire Council statement said: ‘Following on from the tragic incidents in and around Kilmarnock last night, our thoughts are with all the families and individuals affected by these events.
‘We know our communities will be shocked and saddened by these events, but we wish to reassure them that there is no risk to the general public at this time and we are supporting our colleagues in NHS Ayrshire & Arran and Police Scotland wherever we can.
‘As this is an ongoing police matter, we need to keep a number of roads in Kilmarnock town centre closed and diversions are in place here, and on the A76, to allow the investigation to continue, and we thank you for your patience and understanding.’