Probe call after school stabbing

Feb 6 2012

An MSP has called for a full investigation into the way police handled the stabbing of a man outside a primary school.

John Mason, MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, claims Strathclyde Police "could potentially have prevented" the incident outside Caledonia Primary School in Baillieston last month.

The victim was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary after being stabbed by another man at around 2.50pm on Friday January 20, as parents arrived to collect their children.

In a letter to the force's Chief Constable Stephen House, Mr Mason said police were notified of an alleged incident at the school on the morning of the attack, which he claims was a "fairly clear warning".

He said: "However, when the incident did take place at 2.50pm the police were not present. Given that the school was due to finish at 3pm and that parents generally gather outside a school a little before this, it would have made sense for officers to be present 15 minutes or so before the school came out."

A police spokeswoman said the force was unable to comment as it had not received a copy of the letter.

A man has appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court in connection with the incident.

Steven Savage, 38, from Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, was charged with attempted murder, assault to injury and making threats.

He made no plea or declaration during the private hearing and the case was continued for further examination. He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear again next week.