A mother and daughter were killed in related attacks in Ayrshire, and a man perished in a car accident.
Emma Robertson Coupland, 39, was discovered injured in the parking park of University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock at 19:45 on Thursday.
Nicole Anderson, 24, the NHS worker’s daughter, was tragically stabbed approximately 20 minutes later on Portland Street, nearly two miles away.
Steven Robertson, 40, died in a road accident south of town around 20:30.
Police Scotland said officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents – which led to a three-hour lockdown of the hospital – and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Ch Supt Faroque Hussain said: “A number of locations remain cordoned off as officers continue to conduct inquiries.
“We are working to confirm the full circumstances of what has happened.”
He requested anyone with knowledge on the occurrences, which occurred across 45 minutes, to come forward.
Ch Supt Hussain went on to say, “People will understandably be horrified by what has happened.
“We are still in the process of establishing the full circumstances, however, I would like to reassure people that there is no wider threat to the community.”
Ms Coupland was treated in the hospital car park but died at the scene.
Her daughter was attacked about 20 minutes later and was taken to University Hospital Crosshouse but later died from her injuries.
The fatal road crash occurred on the C50, a minor road between the B7036 and the A76, about 12 miles south of Kilmarnock.
Mr Robertson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ambulances were diverted to University Hospital Ayr as police dealt with the unfolding events until the three-hour lockdown was lifted shortly before 23:00.
Ms Coupland’s colleagues issued a statement saying, “Emma was a valued member of the NHS, a wonderful friend, colleague, and loving mother.” We are all extremely devastated by this loss.”
On Friday morning, the hospital’s A&E department and main entrance were open and operational, although two police vans full of cops remained outside, with police tape around a portion of the parking lot.
Dr Crawford McGuffie, the medical director of NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said police had determined that the risk to patients, staff, and visitors to the hospital was low.
John Burns, the health board’s chief executive, acknowledged the professionalism of those who responded to the attacks.
He said: “This was a particularly challenging incident, and our staff reacted with care and compassion.”
Mr Burns added that the car park at the physiotherapy department will remain closed until police have concluded their investigations.
Rev Jim McNaughtan, of St Andrew’s and St Marnock’s Parish Church, said the reaction in the town has been one of disbelief.
He told BBC Scotland: “The staff at Crosshouse Hospital have been working hard this wee while dealing with the Covid outbreak.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted, “Dreadful news. My thoughts are with the bereaved. I’m also thinking of everyone at Crosshouse Hospital, who are already grappling with the challenges of Covid. I’m also grateful to the emergency services. Please continue to follow @policescotland’s advise.
During the Scottish government’s daily coronavirus briefing, Deputy First Minister John Swinney expressed sympathy for the families and friends of those who died.
He continued: “A tragedy like this would be impossible to understand at any time but, after the events of the past year, it is particularly shocking that such an incident has taken place at an NHS hospital.”
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