Updated at 1.33pm
POLICE SCOTLAND HAVE confirmed a body has been pulled from the wreckage of the Clutha pub on the banks of the river Clyde, as the rescue and recovery operation continues following Friday night’s helicopter crash. There has been no change in the death toll — eight people were killed when a police helicopter crashed onto the venue at 10.25pm on Friday.
According to a statement:
Police Scotland can confirm that just after 11 o clock this morning the body of another person was removed from the incident site and has been taken to the Southern General Hospital, where the formal process of identification will continue.
Three of the victims have been named today.
48-year-old Gary Arthur, from Paisley, has been named by police as one of the occupants of the pub.
It’s also being reported locally that two of the people killed in the crash were the helicopter’s pilot David Traill (51) and police officer Kirsty Nelis (36).
Arthur was the father of footballer Chloe Arthur, who plays for the Celtic Women’s first team.
The club released a statement saying the thoughts and prayers of “everyone at Celtic” were with Chloe and her family.
Celtic Women’s Manager, David Haley, said: “This is devastating for Chloe and her family. It is a tragedy that Chloe’s father was one of eight innocent victims in this terrible accident – he was regularly seen at Celtic matches, watching his daughter.
Emergency services remove wreckage as work to recover bodies continues [Andrew Milligan/PA Wire]
Work has also begun to to remove the helicopter from the site at the Clutha Vaults. A large crane was moved onto the disaster site overnight, and investigators are beginning to remove the mangled rotor blades from the helicopter.
Police say it will be a “painstaking process” expected to take some time “because of the need to ensure the safety of the operation and members of the emergency services and investigators”.
Twelve people injured in the crash and its aftermath currently remain in hospitals across in Glasgow. Two others have been discharged since yesterday afternoon.
Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick called for witnesses or anyone with information or footage of the incident to get in contact. She said it was hoped that further formal identifications of bodies would take place today.
“Our casualty bureau has already handled more than 600 calls and we are working hard to piece together information that will allow us to progress that,” the Deputy Chief Constable said.
“Clearly the processes involved take time. However there are formal identification procedures that have to take place before we can publicly confirm identities and it is essential to ensure accuracy, and maintain sensitivity and dignity for the families of the deceased.
“We have put in place measures to provide support to the families affected and would ask the media to demonstrate sensitivity for those concerned at this extremely difficult time.”
A service in support of those affected by the tragedy was held at the Glasgow Church of Scotland Cathedral this morning. Family members, politicians and members of the emergency services all attended.
An earlier version of this story was posted at 10.22am
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