Eight people died after a police helicopter crashed into the roof of a crowded pub in the centre of Glasgow.

The three occupants of the helicopter – two police officers and a civilian pilot – were among the dead, Police Scotland said.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen House said: “Our thoughts and condolences are very much with the families of those who have died and those who have been injured in this tragic incident.

“We are working alongside our emergency services colleagues in the ongoing rescue operation. I would like to take this opportunity to praise the people of Glasgow who helped in the very early stages following the incident and commend their courage.

14 people remain seriously injured in Glasgow hospitals

“We are dealing with a very sensitive and complex operation and we expect that emergency services will be at the scene for some time. We would thank the public for their co-operation as our officers and other emergency service colleagues continue this difficult task.”

Fourteen people remain in Glasgow hospitals, he said.

The Queen said her “thoughts and prayers” were with the victims of the crash.

In a personal statement, she wrote: “I was saddened to learn of the dreadful helicopter crash in Glasgow last night.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been bereaved or injured.

“I send my thanks to the emergency services and to everyone who helped with the rescue.

“Elizabeth R.”

Witnesses said the helicopter came down “like a stone” from the sky and hit the roof of The Clutha at 10.25pm on Friday.

Members of the public formed a human chain to help remove those inside the popular music venue in Stockwell Street.

Sir Stephen gave an update at the scene of the crash, close to the River Clyde.

Well over 100 people were inside the pub listening to a band when the helicopter came through the roof, he said.

“Three of these eight fatalities were found within the helicopter and were our colleagues in the helicopter crew,” said Sir Stephen.

“The remaining five people were found within the building.

“Fourteen people remain seriously injured in Glasgow hospitals, who are being cared for by health colleagues there.

“A major investigation is under way by the police under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

“Together with colleagues from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland officers are working to rescue and recover within the premises behind us.

“Rescuers are working in a complicated and dangerous environment.

“This is a complex and ongoing rescue operation. It will not be a quick operation. It’s a very complicated and indeed dangerous scene. I pay tribute to those people from the emergency services who are working in and around the scene,” he said.

“I’d also like again to commend the courage of the people in Glasgow who, heedless for their own safety, took action last night at the time of the incident, and the many acts of kindness we’ve seen since.

“Particularly I’ve been asked to mention the fact that many of the rescue workers are grateful to the Holiday Inn Express. The nearby hotel has thrown open its doors to provide food and shelter for the rescue staff as they go about their job.

“We are dealing with a very sensitive investigation and operation here. It will go on for many days yet.”

The injured were taken to Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Western Infirmary.

The aircraft involved was a Eurocopter EC135 T2.

A large section of the city centre is cordoned off with all roads leading to the junction of Clyde Street, Stockwell Street, Bridgegate and Victoria Bridge closed.

Police set up a telephone number for members of the public concerned about relatives who may have been involved in the crash. It is 0800 092 0410.