Support offered to blast victims

Prayers have been offered for the victims

Leading public figures in Scotland have offered their support to the victims of the plastics factory explosion in Glasgow and their loved ones.

First Minister Jack McConnell described the blast at Stockline Plastics, which has left people dead and injured, as a "tragic and terrible incident".

He was joined by opposition leaders and senior religious figures.

The Queen sent a message of sympathy to the Lord Provost of Glasgow saying she was "shocked" to learn about the blast.

The moderator of the Church of Scotland's General Assembly and the Catholic archbishop for Glasgow offered prayers.

Mr McConnell said: "This is a tragic and terrible incident, and my thoughts are with those involved and their family and friends."

"I am appalled by this tragedy and express profound sympathy for the families of the victims Professor Iain Torrance Moderator

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney added: "It is clear that the emergency services have reacted very swiftly and are working tirelessly to rescue the people who are still trapped, and my full support is with them at this time."

The moderator learned of the blast as he returned from a visit to London.

The Right Reverend Professor Iain Torrance said: "I am appalled by this tragedy and express profound sympathy for the families of the victims.

"We pray for the recovery of those who have been injured and their families. I know that local church agencies will do everything in their power to offer support and comfort."

Archbishop Mario Conti, who is currently in Crete, said: "It is with horror that I have learned of the explosion in the west end of the city.

"On hearing the news I immediately offered prayers for the victims, those injured and trapped and their families, and I am today asking every Catholic parish in the Glasgow area to do likewise."

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "The Queen is shocked to learn of the explosion.

"She wants to convey her deepest sympathy to the bereaved and injured, and her prayers are with the missing and their families and everyone engaged in the rescue operation."

'Absolutely dreadful'

Ann McKechin, the Labour MP for Maryhill, flew back to her constituency.

She asked for an urgent statement to be made to the House of Commons.

"My heartfelt sympathies go out to the victims, the workers and their families today in what is an absolutely dreadful tragedy for the area," she said.

Glasgow Maryhill Labour MSP Patricia Ferguson, who arrived at the scene in the afternoon, said: "The people of Maryhill are very much gathering around and the families will be looked after."

Tory Glasgow MSP Bill Aitken said: "The efforts of the rescue services have been immense and we can only pray that all of those trapped will be safely brought from the building."

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Glasgow, Robert Brown, said: "My thoughts at this time are with everyone who has been caught up in this tragic incident."