Shopping centre panic as police swoop in and lock down area after ‘serious incident’

According to reports, emergency services were called to the Abronhill Shopping Centre in Cumbernauld at around 4.45pm this evening due to a “serious incident”. Police Scotland said earlier today: “Around 4.45pm on Monday, February 14 officers were called to reports of an injured man in Larch Court, Cumbernauld.

“Officers are at the scene and enquiries are ongoing.”

People took to social media with many claiming the large police presence was in response to a “fatal stabbing”.

One user took to Facebook to ask: “Anyone know what the ongoing incident is up at the Abronhill shopping Centre? Very strong police presence.”

The query was answered by a number of users, with one saying: “Apparently a fatal stabbing.”

In response to that, another user said: “Yeah I know the person who got stabbed.”

Another wrote: “Everything’s closed until further notice within a two mile radius of the shopping centre – so horrible.”

Some reports suggest nearby Larch Road has been closed off, with staff at local shops and bookmakers seemingly confirming that stores had been closed.

One person wrote on Facebook: “Everything is closed.

“We tried to go to the Spar for juice and the police tape is all over with officers.

“It happened outside the chemist.”

The region of Cumbernauld has seen a string of worrying crimes over recent weeks.

Just last week, two frightened mums claim their young children were also targeted by men in a white van in Cumbernauld after an alleged attempted abduction in the town.

Police are investigating three separate incidents in the North Lanarkshire town involving young boys being approached by a white transit van driven by men

In February, a father took to social media to warn parents after his son was approached by a van and told to get inside while walking to school.

The father said: “Warning someone tried to kidnap [my son] this morning going to school.

“A white van approached him, a man started to scream at him to get into a van. Please be aware.”

More to follow…