CROSSHOUSE Hospital was in lockdown this evening after a major incident.
Reports suggest that one person at the Ayrshire hospital has been injured in a reported stabbing.
It is not yet known how serious the injuries are or whether police have detained anyone.
Officers are also dealing with an incident in nearby Portland Street and a third incident, a car crash on the A76. These incidents are potentially linked.
Police have confirmed that the incident is not terror related.
Police Scotland said tonight in a statement: "Police Scotland is currently dealing with 3 potentially linked incidents in the Kilmarnock area. The first occurred around 7.45pm outside Crosshouse Hospital, the second around 20 minutes later on Portland Street, and the third, a serious road crash, on the A76, around 8.30pm.
"Enquiries into these incidents are at an early stage and these areas have been cordoned off at this time. There is no cause for concern for the wider community."
Crawford McGuffie, NHS Ayrshire and Arran Medical Director, said: "Following the Police incident earlier this evening, University Hospital Crosshouse was put under lockdown.
"Police Scotland have confirmed the risk to patients, staff and visitors to the hospital is minimal, and so this lockdown has been lifted.
"There remains a large police presence on the grounds of the hospital.
"We would like to reassure anyone coming to the hospital, in particular to any patients or staff coming on shift, that Police Scotland have confirmed it is safe to do so.
"However, if you are worried, please speak to the onsite Police Scotland officers.
"As this is a Police Scotland incident, we are unable to comment any further at this time."
More on this as we get it
Police Scotland is currently dealing with 3 potentially linked incidents in the Kilmarnock area. The first occurred around 7.45pm outside Crosshouse Hospital, the second around 20 minutes later on Portland Street, and the third, a serious road crash, on the A76, around 8.30pm.
— Police Scotland (@policescotland) February 4, 2021
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also responded to the incident.
My thoughts are with those involved in these very serious incidents in Crosshouse/Kilmarnock. Please help @AyrshirePolice do their job by following the advice to stay away from the areas affected. https://t.co/g2Q3J914o4
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) February 4, 2021
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here