3 Dec 2013

Death toll in Glasgow chopper crash rises

5:14 am on 3 December 2013

The confirmed death toll after a police helicopter crashed into a pub in the Scottish city of Glasgow has risen to nine.

Another body has been found inside the pub, bringing the number of victims from the pub to six, along with the three people who were on the helicopter.

Police say the site is extremely challenging and the efforts of rescuers and investigators have been painstaking.

They say their investigations and searches are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a service has been held at Glasgow Cathedral for those who died in the crash on Friday night.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Stephen House attended along with Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and members of the emergency services.

Nine people died when the police helicopter came down on a busy pub and 32 were injured. The BBC reports 12 remain in hospital. .

Eight candles, one for each person known to have died in the crash, were lit by children.

The BBC reports flags are flying at half-mast across the city and on government buildings.

Ms Sturgeon also visited Glasgow Royal Infirmary where seven of the survivors were being treated.

She was surprised to discover that she knew one of the survivors.

Ms Sturgeon said they both enjoyed a "nice chat" and it was nice to speak to someone who was at the crash scene and was now recovering.

Work is continuing to lift the wreckage of the helicopter from the roof of the pub. Sections of the rotor blade were hoisted away from the roof at about 10:30am on Sunday.