Eight dead at copter crash

Across the nation flags flew at half-mast as people tried to come to terms with the tragedy.

Some 120 people had crammed into the popular pub to see Glasgow ska band, Eseranza.

It is still unclear how the incident happened, but eyewitnesses say the police helicopter above the bar seemed to develop engine trouble and fell onto the venue.

The helicopter contained two police officers and a civilian pilot, both reported to be among the fatalities.

East Renfrewshire MP, Jim Murphy, was one of the first at the scene and helped as people tried to get those inside to safety.

Mr Murphy released a short statement on his website concerning the incident.

The MP said: “Today my thoughts are with those who are affected by the Glasgow helicopter crash as well as the emergency staff who responded so quickly, bravely and brilliantly and who are still at the scene.
“Last night people did what is the human instinct and helped out until the emergency crews arrived. I did little in comparison to others who did much more at the scene.
“I have been contacted by various media this morning understandably wanting to talk about the events of last night. I hope journalists understand I was ok about doing that last night as someone who was there. But today it’s for the emergency services to talk to the public and those families waiting for news of their loved ones.

“Later this morning, the First Minister, along with chief inspector Stephen House and Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow city council, made a public announcement on the tragedy.”

Mr Salmond said: “I have visited the control centre and spoken to officers and emergency staff from Police Scotland, the fire service the health service and the ambulance service.

“All of us have seen over the last few hours, the speed and effectiveness of the mobilisation of the emergency services in dealing with this tragedy.

“We’ve also heard of the instinctive courage of ordinary Glaswegians going to assist their fellow citizens in extremity.

“This is a black day for Glasgow and for Scotland. Our condolences go to those who will be bereaved, our solidarity with those who have been injured.

“But it’s also St Andrew’s Day and it’s a day we can take pride and courage in how we respond to adversity and tragedy, and the response from our emergency services and ordinary citizens has been exemplary.”

Chief inspector House, of Police Scotland, said that they still do not know the exact cause of the crash and added that it would be a long investigation.

A number has been issued for those worried about family and friends who may have been at the Clutha: 0800 0892 0410.

But police asked that people only call the number if they are genuinely concerned for loved ones and friends.