Glasgow art gallery sealed off by cops after man falls from balcony
A MAN has plunged from a balcony inside an art gallery in Glasgow, sparking a major emergency response.
Emergency crews raced to the Gallery of Modern Art in the city centre this afternoon.
Dozens of police swarmed the area after the alarm was raised at around 12.30pm.
The popular tourist attraction, which sits at Royal Exchange Square, has been locked down after the incident.
An ambulance, two rapid response paramedics motors and two police vans are currently stationed outside.
Members of staff have blocked the door to the art gallery while visitors stood in the square outside.
A uniformed cop could be seen standing guard inside the gallery before the heavy double doors were pulled closed.
A steady stream of tourists have been turned away with security guards stationed at the main doors.
The place was suddenly crawling with police… Everybody was ushered out. It’s absolutely tragic
Male eyewitness
The Gallery of Modern Art told the public that it would close for the rest of the day, but plans to reopen as normal tomorrow.
Visitors told how they spotted a man who “looked in his 30s” lying on the floor.
One man said: “The place was suddenly crawling with police.
“A man was lying on the ground directly below the big circular balcony.
“Somebody said he came over the side of it. It’s three floors high.
“Everybody was ushered out. It’s absolutely tragic.”
One woman who was ushered out added: “It was quite busy at the time.
“People were milling about looking at the exhibitions.
“Then there was a terrible scream. A man had fallen over the balcony.
People were milling about looking at the exhibitions. Then there was a terrible scream… People are quite shaken
Female eyewitness
“People are quite shaken.”
In a statement on Facebook read: “The Gallery of Modern Art has closed early today after a member of the public fell from a balcony.
“Emergency services are in attendance.
“The building will reopen as normal tomorrow, Thursday 12 September at 10am.”
Police have confirmed that they are currently at the scene.
We would like to reassure the public following a large emergency presence in Royal Exchange Square. This is related to a report a man has fallen within one of the buildings. There is no wider threat to the public
Police Scotland
They stated that they have launched a probe into the incident and enquiries are ongoing.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Emergency services are in attendance at Royal Exchange Square after reports a man had fallen from height inside an art gallery.
“Police were notified 12.30pm on Wednesday, 11 September, 2024.
“Enquiries are ongoing. Officers remain at the scene.”
In a statement on social media, the force added: “We would like to reassure the public following a large emergency presence in Royal Exchange Square.
“This is related to a report a man has fallen within one of the buildings. There is no wider threat to the public.”