Zimpapers Logo

NHS Ayrshire and Arran tweeted that the hospital was “on lockdown and no members of staff, patients or visitors will be able to leave the site until advised”.

But police later said that the hospital, including A&E, was open.

It said the “area of car park and adjacent building (had been) secured for examination”.

The NHS said “movement around the site can be now be resumed, with the exception of the courtyard car park in front of Addictions Services”.

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said the woman’s life was not believed to be at risk.

Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, she said: “Our understanding is that injuries sustained by a nurse are not
life-threatening injuries and that police are fully involved in this incident.

“Obviously, the safety of staff and patients is of the utmost importance.”

Police Scotland said officers “received a report that a woman had been attacked in the (hospital) grounds”, adding: “Local officers, supported by a police helicopter, are carrying out a search of the area.”

Billy McClean, from the local health board, said staff were “assisting Police Scotland with their investigations”.

skynews.com