NICOLA Sturgeon has described a major incident in Glasgow in which a police officer was stabbed as "truly dreadful" and urged people to stay away from the area.

The Scottish Police Federation confirmed an officer was stabbed following reports that an operation is underway in the city and that a further six people have been stabbed.

Pictures from the scene show uniformed officers and patrol cars in the city centre.

 The First Minister tweeted: "The reports from Glasgow City Centre are truly dreadful. My thoughts are with everyone involved. I am being updated as the situation becomes clearer. Please help the emergency services do their jobs by staying away from the area - and please don’t share unconfirmed information."

A police statement said: "Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident on West George Street in Glasgow. The street is currently closed off and the public are asked to avoid the area at present. The situation is contained at this time and there is no danger to the general public."