KNIFE SPREE
Kilmarnock stabbing: Hospital worker, 39, and daughter, 24, killed in attack before man dies in crash
A HOSPITAL worker and her daughter have been killed in an attack before a man died in a car crash.
Mum-of-four Emma Robertson Coupland, 39, was attacked by a frenzied knifeman outside her work at Crosshouse Hospital at around 7.45pm last night.
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Around 20 minutes later, her daughter Nicole Anderson, 24, was targeted by the same fiend less than two miles away at the takeaway shop where she worked.
Emma received medical treatment but could not be saved. Nicole was rushed to hospital but later died.
And a third incident, a fatal road crash on the A76, is believed to be linked to the attacks, cops say.
Emergency crews attended the scene but a man, 40, was pronounced dead.
The hospital was put on lockdown last night as .
Shortly after the hospital incident occurred, officers were alerted to another incident in the town's Portland Street at 8.05pm.
Cops were seen running on foot through the town centre as they responded to the serious incidents.
An onlooker described a "very tense atmosphere" as cops locked down an area around the viaduct.
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At Portland Street, officers were seen comforting a distraught woman at the scene and later took her away in a police car.
Locals also claimed a man was injured at the city centre incident.
Detectives extended a town centre cordon inside which a white Mitsubishi vehicle could be seen under an arch with its hazard lights flashing.
Grief-stricken family members have since paid tribute to Emma and Nicole.
Emma's heartbroken sister posted on social media: "I am totally broken, my God.
"Man this can't be happening, we argued like f*** all the time but you're my only sister, my first niece, please tell me I'm dreaming".
Emma's daughter and Nicole's sister also posted: "Life will never be the same without you."
Nicole's fiancée took to social media to pay an emotional tribute as she revealed she's been left "completely broken".
She wrote: ";My beautiful wee angel I will love you forever.
"Hoping I could wake up and this all be a dream can’t take it in I’m completely broken."
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Nicole's devastated cousin also paid tribute after the "worst news of my life".
He wrote: "Honestly can’t even put into words how I’m feeling, absolutely devastated to say the least.
"Got the worst news of my life yesterday I just can’t take it in, I’ve lost wee cousin, my childhood best friend, my wee sister and my saviour all in one!!
"She was the most loving caring person in this world, and never had a smile off her face!
"You're going to be one missed girl Nicole best lassie to walk this planet without a doubt."
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Dreadful news. My thoughts are with the bereaved.
"Thinking too of everyone at Crosshouse Hospital, already dealing with the tough circumstances of Covid.
"I'm also grateful to our emergency services. Please continue to follow Police Scotland advice."
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Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain said: “A number of locations remain cordoned off as officers continue to conduct enquiries.
"We are working to confirm the full circumstances of what has happened.
"If anyone has any information which could assist our enquiries, please do contact us.
“Understandably, people will be shocked by what has happened."
Supt Hussain said there was no threat to the public.
"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," he said.
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"Officers will be on patrol and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers."
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"Local diversions are in place as a number of areas remain cordoned off in the town centre and ear on the road between the B7036 and A76.
"If anyone has any information which could assist this investigation, please do contact police on 101."
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