A major emergency response unfolded in Paisley last night, as police, fire, and ambulance services rushed to the scene following serious concerns for the safety of a resident.
The area was sealed off by around fifteen police vehicles, including six armed officers and specially trained negotiators. Crews from the Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were also on the scene as part of a coordinated multi-agency response. Gas engineers from SGN attended as firefighters shut off the gas supply to nearby properties to help ensure safety for residents still in there flats.
According to local witnesses, the incident involved a man recently released under supervision who is currently living in the area. It’s understood he had earlier attempted to remove vape products from a nearby newsagent before returning to a flat—prompting the emergency callout.
Officers cordoned off the area for several hours while negotiators worked to de-escalate the situation. Witnesses reported seeing the man at a window with what appeared to be blood on his hands. Negotiators were seen entering and exiting the building throughout the evening in an effort to engage with him.
The situation was brought under control shortly before 11:30pm after lasting around four hours, and emergency services began to leave the scene in the early hours of Wednesday morning. George Street has since reopened, allowing residents to return to their homes.
While the exact details of the incident remain unconfirmed, Police Scotland is expected to issue a formal statement in due course.
Paisley Photographs 