Police are probing the unexplained deaths of seven people at a hotel in Glasgow used as an emergency shelter for homeless people during the coronavirus lockdown.
Four men and four woman have died at the Alexander Thomson Hotel on Argyle Street in the city centre in the past six months since lockdown came into force back in March, an FOI submitted by The Scottish Sun has revealed.
A 38-year-old woman died at the hotel on April 25, followed by a 21-year-old man who died on May 17, while two men aged 43 died on June 3 and June 21.
On July 28, a 25-year-old male and a 44-year-old woman passed away, before a 49-year-old female was reported dead on August 27 and another 48-year-old woman died on August 28.
The death of the 48-year-old woman last month is the only one of the eight deaths at the hotel which is not being treated as suspicious, with the previous seven deaths all being labelled as unexplained pending the outcome of post mortem investigation.
Today, Labour MSP James Kelly called the reports of eight deaths over lockdown at the hotel "tragic", and demanded urgent action to ensure people living in temporary accommodation receive support.
He tweeted: "Very concerning report of eight deaths over lockdown at the Alexander Thomson hotel in Glasgow. This is tragic.
"People in temporary accommodation are particularly vulnerable during COVID. Urgent action by government and councils is needed to ensure they have the support required."
Following the death of the 44-year-old woman on July 28, Chief Inspector Craig Walker of Greater Glasgow division told The Sun: "While it is a matter for the local authority where homeless people are accommodated, we know many may have complex needs and we work closely with Glasgow City Council, and other third sector partner organisations, to signpost them to the most appropriate support services."
