- A police officer at the scene said there were 'a few confirmed deaths'
- Police have confirmed one fatality and said that number is expected to rise
- Police Scotland say that 32 people have been taken to hospital
- Two police officers and a civilian pilot were believed to be on board
- Around 125 people are thought to have been in the pub at the time
- First Minister Alex Salmond described it as a 'black day' for Scotland
- Eye witness said it looked as though the propellers weren't working
- They said the helicopter dropped from the sky 'like a stone' at 10.25pm
- Bystanders created a human chain to carry the wounded from the venue
- Jim Murphy MP said it was a 'horrible scene' surrounded by ambulances
- Police have set up a telephone number for anyone concerned about relatives
- Scottish Cup football matches will hold a minutes silence before kick off
A man has told how he fears his father may have been killed when a police helicopter crashed into a packed Glasgow pub last night.
John McGarrigle said that his father, also called John, was at the pub when the aircraft crash landed and that eyewitnesses told him that the aircraft came through the roof where he had been sitting.
John Jnr, who was outside the cordoned off pub today, told ITV News that he was supposed to go to the Clutha Bar, close to the banks of the River Clyde, with the 59-year-old but did not.
He told reporters: 'I think he was in there when it crashed. I've checked every hospital and there's no sign of him.'
At least six people are feared to have died and more than 30 people were injured in the crash at the iconic Glasgow bar.
John McGarrigle tells reporters at the scene of the crash today that he fears his father may have been killed in the crash
Mr McGarrigle, 38, shows reporters a mobile phone picture of his father. Eyewitnesses have told him that the aircraft came down where his father was sitting
Mr McGarrigle showed reporters a picture of him and his father, also called John
At least six people have reportedly been killed and more than 30 injured when a police helicopter crashed into a busy Glasgow city centre pub
Rescue workers cover the wreckage of a police helicopter which crashed onto the roof of the Clutha Vaults pub in Glasgow last night killing 'at least six people'
More than 30 people were injured in the incident at The Clutha pub in the city centre at around 10.25pm last night
Emergency services had to drag customers out of the premises after the aircraft fell from the sky 'like a stone' when its rotor blades apparently stopped spinning in mid air.
According to Sky News reports, sources have said that six people were killed in the crash.
Police Scotland have confirmed that 32 people have been taken to hospital to treatment with staff at Glasgow Royal Infirmary describing some of the injuries as 'very serious'.
More... Mr McGarrigle said that a friend called Fiona told him what had happened inside the pub and that he believes his father's body is still inside the building.
He said: 'The realisation, and just a deep instinct ... kicked in right away as soon as I heard there was an accident at Clutha. I just knew something bad had happened to him.
'When I came round and seen where the position of the helicopter (was) that was when I knew, because he sat in that spot all the time, where the helicopter hit.
'I am still shaking.'
Mr McGarrigle said he unsuccessfully tried to get information from the accident helpline set up for those affected.
He said: 'I said my dad is dead, probably lying underneath that helicopter.
'I could walk in there and pinpoint him myself in the rubble.'
Around 125 people were thought to have been in the pub at the time of the crash watching a ska band play.
In a Facebook post today, Esperanza, the band playing at the bar said that the incident seems 'horribly real'.
At a press conference this morning Chief Constable Sir Stephen House could only confirm that one person had died, but added that he expects the number of dead to rise.
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond told reporters that today is a 'black day' for Scotland and paid tribute to the 'instinctive courage' of rescue crews and members of the public who helped the injured.
Police Scotland have confirmed that 32 people have been taken to hospital to treatment with staff at Glasgow Royal Infirmary describing some of the injuries as 'very serious'.
More... Mr McGarrigle said that a friend called Fiona told him what had happened inside the pub and that he believes his father's body is still inside the building.
He said: 'The realisation, and just a deep instinct ... kicked in right away as soon as I heard there was an accident at Clutha. I just knew something bad had happened to him.
'When I came round and seen where the position of the helicopter (was) that was when I knew, because he sat in that spot all the time, where the helicopter hit.
Paul Watt, a regular at the Clutha pub, is pictured in tears at the police cordon this morning
One of the wheels of the helicopter and part of the 'police' sign on the aircraft are visible as rescue crews work on the scene this morning
Police have so far confirmed that one person died in the incident but added that they expect that number to rise
Police officers speak to to two women at a hotel opposite the crash site
Mr McGarrigle said he unsuccessfully tried to get information from the accident helpline set up for those affected.
He said: 'I said my dad is dead, probably lying underneath that helicopter.
'I could walk in there and pinpoint him myself in the rubble.'
Around 125 people were thought to have been in the pub at the time of the crash watching a ska band play.
In a Facebook post today, Esperanza, the band playing at the bar said that the incident seems 'horribly real'.
At a press conference this morning Chief Constable Sir Stephen House could only confirm that one person had died, but added that he expects the number of dead to rise.
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond told reporters that today is a 'black day' for Scotland and paid tribute to the 'instinctive courage' of rescue crews and members of the public who helped the injured.
Fire crews who worked through the night to rescue those trapped inside are pictured at the scene of the crash this morning
The propeller blades are visible on the top of the roof as firefighters use cherry pickers to examine the site
Firefighters try to access the pub in Glasgow where a helicopter crashed into a roof
A firefighter is seen standing over a propeller blade which is sticking out of the roof of the pub
He said: 'Our condolences go to those who are bereaved and our solidarity is with those who were injured.'This is a black day for Scotland, but it's also St Andrew's Day and a day that we can take pride and courage in how we respond to adversity and tragedy.'
According to reports the incident is being treated as 'no longer a rescue situation but a recovery one'.
But Sir Stephen House said that rescue crews are still attempting to make contact with anyone that might still be trapped inside the pub.
He told reporters gathered at the Police Scotland headquarters: 'It has been an emotional few hours but it's the job of everyone here to deal with it effectively.
'This is a very difficult and sensitive operation and the scene is a particularly challenging one.
'Given the damage caused and the nature of that damage, it will take some time to complete the search of the building.
'The safety of those conducting the operation is of the highest importance.'
Prime Minister David Cameron also sent his condolences to all those involved in the crash.
A damaged part of the helicopter lies next to an ambulance
Scottish Fire and Rescue firefighters and USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) teams use ropes to stabilise a ladder as they stand on the roof of the pub
He added: 'I want to thank the emergency services who worked tirelessly throughout the night and I also want to pay tribute to the bravery of the ordinary Glaswegians who rushed to help.
Eyewitness Fraser Gibson, 34, who was in the pub with his brother to see his former band, said:
'Midway through their set it sounded like a giant explosion. The room was covered in dust.
'We didn’t know what had happened. We froze for a second; there was panic and then people trying to get out the door.'
Another witness said: ‘It was total bedlam.'
The aircraft, which had two police officers and a civilian pilot on board, hit The Clutha on Stockwell Street, which faces the River Clyde.
Witnesses said bystanders did not flee the scene and rushed to help by creating a human chain to lift the wounded from the pub to safety.
Emergency crews from across Scotland have joined the rescue effort with crews from Edinburgh, Dundee and Falkirk helping their Glaswegian colleagues.
People are rushed away from the scene to a nearby Holiday Inn for treatment
The scene was cordoned off on Stockwell Street which is close to the River Clyde
Part of the aircraft with the letters 'C' and 'E' written on is seen sticking out of the roof of the pub
A Twitter user takes to social media after hearing a crash in the city centre
He confirmed that the building was 'very unsafe' and that emergency services were working to make the structure safe.
He told reporters: 'It's a case of working hard within the building to try and determine how many casualties are there.
'We are determined that we are going to get the building stable and we will be in there to carry out those rescues.'
He added: 'There were a number of casualties removed earlier on at the start of the incident.
'They have been taken to hospital and other locations.'
He confirmed that 125 firefighters attended the scene with some working on the roof and others in the cellar of the pub.
Mr Ramsay praised the bravery of crews working at the scene.
Police have confirmed that the helicopter that crashed was a Eurocopter EC135 T2 similar to the one pictured
The letters on the side of the aircraft indicate it could be a police helicopter which crashed into the roof of the pub
Rescue workers examine the wreckage of a police helicopter on the roof of the pub
Rescue workers attempt to secure the structure of the building and rescue those trapped inside
Multiple police vans and ambulances block the street which is next to the River Clyde
Paramedics wait to treat the injured at the pub in Glasgow city centre last night
He said: 'Without any thought to their own safety they have entered these premises to carry out a number of rescues, make contact with casualties and work in that environment for as long as it lasts.
'As long as there are rescues to be conducted we will be here to do that. We're here for as long as it takes.'
Reports last night said that dozens of people had been taken to a nearby Holiday Inn for treatment.
The injured have since been taken to three hospitals across Glasgow.
Police Scotland have a helipad two miles west of the venue, suggesting the pilot of the helicopter may have been heading towards there.
The aircraft involved was a Eurocopter EC135 T2 which is thought to have been in service since 2007.
It is believed that the helicopter replaced another aircraft that had served police in Glasgow since 2002.
That helicopter now serves as an air ambulance in England.
Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said shortly after the crash: '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.
'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.
'It is too early at this stage to provide any details around why the helicopter came down.
Wreckage of the police helicopter which crashed into the roof. Eye witnesses said the propellers did not seem to be working
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue have said there are 15 engines at the site and a number of ambulances
The emergency services over the roof of the pub, trying to get access to the venue
THIRD SCOTTISH POLICE HELICOPTER TO CRASH IN 23 YEARS
Last night's crash is the third involving a police helicopter in Scotland in a little over two decades.
The last incident involving a Police Scotland helicopter happened in February 2002 when two officers and a civilian pilot miraculously survived after their aircraft crashed in farmer's fields near the village of Muirkirk, East Ayrshire.
The Eurocopter EC-135, similar to that which crashed in Glasgow last night, came down while searching woodland following reports that a child's cry had been heard.
In 1990, Sergeant Malcolm Herd died when a Bell Jet 206 helicopter crashed in bad weather at Eastwood Toll, East Renfrewshire, on the south side of Glasgow.
The Strathclyde Police helicopter he was travelling in hit the side of a block of flats and fell to the ground when it got caught in a snowstorm.
Last night's crash leaves Police Scotland without a force helicopter.
The aircraft involved was a twin-engined Eurocopter EC135 T2, a model which has been flying since 1996.
More than 1,000 have so far been manufactured.
They are widely used by police and ambulance services and for executive transport.
The T2 is a replacement for the T1 and went into production in August 2002.
The last incident involving a Police Scotland helicopter happened in February 2002 when two officers and a civilian pilot miraculously survived after their aircraft crashed in farmer's fields near the village of Muirkirk, East Ayrshire.
The Eurocopter EC-135, similar to that which crashed in Glasgow last night, came down while searching woodland following reports that a child's cry had been heard.
In 1990, Sergeant Malcolm Herd died when a Bell Jet 206 helicopter crashed in bad weather at Eastwood Toll, East Renfrewshire, on the south side of Glasgow.
The Strathclyde Police helicopter he was travelling in hit the side of a block of flats and fell to the ground when it got caught in a snowstorm.
Last night's crash leaves Police Scotland without a force helicopter.
The aircraft involved was a twin-engined Eurocopter EC135 T2, a model which has been flying since 1996.
More than 1,000 have so far been manufactured.
They are widely used by police and ambulance services and for executive transport.
The T2 is a replacement for the T1 and went into production in August 2002.
Police have set up a telephone number for anyone concerned about relatives who may have been involved in the crash. The number is 0800 092 0410.
An eyewitness said the vehicle, which is operated by Bond Air Services, 'dropped like a stone' and another said the propellers appeared to have failed as it fell from the sky
Labour MP Jim Murphy, who was passing at the time and remained at the scene to help victims, said on Twitter: 'Terrible here in Glasgow, helicopter crashed into roof of pub.'
He also said there were 'multiple injuries' and people off the street had to help evacuate people.
Mr Murphy, the former Scotland Secretary, told the BBC: 'It's a well established Glasgow pub.
'It's a horrible horrible scene, but well done to the folk who were here.
'Everyone formed a chain of people from inside the pub to outside, and the fire brigade and everyone were here very quickly.'
The Police Roll of Honour Trust tweeted 'Our thoughts are with the crew of @policescotland SP99 helicopter that has crashed in Glasgow - hoping everyone is alright.'
The band who were playing, Esperanza, posted on Facebook that the musicians were all safe and well, but that they did not know the extent of others' injuries.
A further post on the band's site this morning added: 'Waking up and realising that it is all definitely horribly real. Despite the situation everyone was so helpful and caring of each other.
Twitter picture of the Clutha Bar in Glasgow where a police helicopter has crashed into the roof
The helicopter crashed into the venue near the river Clyde
The area surrounding the pub has been sealed off by a police cordon today as rescue teams continue to work at the site
The Clutha bar is pictured close to the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow
'Our biggest concern is that everyone is found and can get the care and help they need.'
Grace McClean, who was inside the pub at the time of the crash, told the BBC: 'There was a ska band on in the pub at the back. It was fairly busy, we were having a nice time.
'There was a woosh noise and then there was a bang. There was what seemed like smoke, but the band carried on playing.
'The whole pub just filled with dust, you couldn't see anything and you couldn't breathe.
'We managed to get outside, we found our friends, people were coming out covered in blood.'
She said that she didn't think that the aircraft had crashed as there was no sound or explosion and speculated that the pilot had tried to land on the roof of the pub.
Claire Morris, who lives near the bar, told BBC News: 'We heard this bang. We didn't really know what had happened and then we heard people coming out and screaming.
ANCIENT LINKS TO THE RIVER, AND BILLY CONNOLLY'S FAVOURITE BOOZER: THE GLASGOW PUB TRAGICALLY STRUCK BY A POLICE HELICOPTER
The Clutha has played host to many famous customers, including Billy Connolly
The pub where a helicopter crashed last night has sat staunchly by the River Clyde since 1819, where it has helped foster Glasgow’s bustling music scene, and played host to the occasional celebrity.
Named after the Latin name for the River Clyde, which runs through Glasgow, it was twinned with the nearby Scotia Bar, the oldest drinking establishment in the city.
It was once the final stop for the Clutha boats, or ‘penny steamers’ that would take people to and from work in the Forth of Clyde, once the centre of the world’s shipbuilding industry.
More recently it has counted Glasgow residents including comedian Billy Connolly and socialist politician Tommy Sheridan as patrons.
It is now a noted live music venue, with performances most nights. Ska band Esperanza were playing on the night of the performance.
The pub even plays a bit part in the story of war hero Private Jimmy Stokes, who charged into an occupied German building on his own in 1945.
It was his last stop in his hometown before heading to war, where he bested the Germans but was fatally wounded and died overseas, being posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
Clutha was also a favoured haunt of Scottish socialist Tommy Sheridan, who led protests against the poll tax in 1989 and was jailed twice.
Although teetotal, he spent hours in Clutha drinking coffee before handing himself over an unpaid court fine for causing a disturbance at a protest.
Another teetoal star who can be spotted in the pub was Scottish comedian Billy Connolly. Although teetotal, Billy could once often be spotted in the establishment.
The entertainer, who now lives in the USA, was even linked to an alleged assault at the venue in 1997 in the wake of a footballing triumph by local team Celtic.
The comedian reportedly lashed out when a Press photographer tried to take a picture of him.
Police officers rush to set up a cordon to keep onlookers away from the pub
The helicopter crashed into the roof of the pub on Stockewell Street in Glasgow
'I wasn't sure whether there had been an explosion. My daughter said to me it was a helicopter that had hit the roof.'Brendan Riordan, who was inside the pub at the time of the crash,said it had been 'packed'.
He said: 'It was quite hard to move in there with the amount of people enjoying the gig.'
Mr Riordan added that he heard 'a very loud bang' before a cloud of dust filled the pub.
'After I exited the pub I saw people coming out covered in blood and covered in dust,' he said.
'There were people quite desperate and just before I left the inside of the pub I noticed that the ceiling had fallen towards the bar.
'People were not aware that a helicopter had crash-landed on the pub.'
Another Twitter user said: 'This is unbelievable. Just spent 20 minutes pulling people out the bar. Apparently a helicopter crashed on the roof.'
Gordon Smart, a Scottish newspaper editor, told Sky News: 'I was in a car park and looked up and saw a helicopter which I think was a police helicopter.
Fire crews look through the door of the pub in an attempt to free anyone trapped inside
'It was just such a surreal moment. It looked like it was dropping from a great height at a great speed.
'There was no fire ball and I did not hear an explosion. It fell like a stone. The engine seemed to be spluttering.'
He added that it seemed the propellers of the helicopter were not working as it fell from the sky.
Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: 'Absolutely awful news about a helicopter crashing into the Clutha. All my thoughts are with everyone involved & the emergency services'.
The Rt Rev Lorna Hood, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: 'We are all praying and concerned for those caught up in the tragic events of tonight in Glasgow.
'Already stories of those caught up in a tragedy forming a human chain to help those trapped show the spirit of the people of Glasgow and their care for one another.'
Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: 'This is a very testing time for Glasgow, but the city has responded with typical courage and compassion.
'My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this tragic incident and with the emergency services who are still working at the scene in incredibly challenging circumstances.
'I have been in contact with staff throughout the night as they have responded to support the public and emergency services.
'It is obviously a difficult time for everyone involved and the council will continue to offer any support it can in the coming hours and days.'
The Prime Minister takes to Twitter to say his thoughts are with those involved
Labour leader Ed Miliband also took to Twitter to express his horror at the news
The Police Memorial Trust said their thoughts were with the crew on board
'The police and all the emergency services are working hard to help everyone involved and I am very grateful to them for their professionalism and compassion.
'The SPA will offer all the support and assistance we can now and in the days ahead.'
Many people took to social media to say they were proud to be from the city after hearing reports that many people had run to the pub to help the injured.
Andy Dixon, an RAF technician, speculated that the pilot might have tried to land on the roof of the pub after the helicopter lost power.
He told the BBC: 'If the tail rota had failed it would have been a catastrophe. There could have been a power failure, but it would have been coming down and in control.
'It sounds like the pilot has come down at the roof and the rotor blades have spun down. At some point, the weight of the aircraft would have overcome the support of the roof.'
The British Airline Pilots Association raised concerns over helicopter safety in the wake of the crash.
A statement from the organisation said: 'Trends in helicopter safety is a matter of concern after a number of recent incidents including those in the North Sea.
'We hope that ongoing inquiries by the CAA and the House of Commons Transport Select Committee into helicopter safety will also have the opportunity to look into the circumstances around last night's incident too.'
The football world will pay tribute to those killed and injured in the crash by holding a minutes silence at every Scottish Cup game this afternoon.
Flags will fly at half-mast across Scotland this weekend as a mark of respect and St Andrew's Day events in Glasgow have been cancelled.
First Minister Alex Salmond has asked that saltire and Lion Rampant flags outside Scottish Government and Historic Scotland buildings fly at half-mast over the weekend.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress has called off its annual St Andrew's Day anti-racism march in the city but will go ahead with a planned indoor rally which will now include tributes to those affected by the accident.
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