Bodies of nine victims of Glasgow pub helicopter crash released to families

The nine people killed when the helicopter crashed in the Clutha pub in Glasgow.

The bodies of the nine people who died when a police helicopter crashed into a Glasgow pub have been released to their families.

ITV News Scotland Correspondent Debi Edward reports:

The Scottish Government announced it will start a fund to help people who may suffer financial hardship as a result of the crash.

First Minister Alex Salmond made the pledge during a statement to the Scottish Parliament.

He said: "Glasgow City Council has established a fund for affected families and I can confirm that the Scottish Government will match the council's contribution."

Existing charitable funds of £20,000 is being used and the council says it has received "generous offers of support" from businesses, charities and individuals from across the city.

Comedian Billy Connolly paid tribute to the people of Glasgow, after laying flowers outside the Clutha pub the 71-year-old said he had performed in the pub before and said it, "would always have a wee place in my heart."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited the site and said the city is "united in grief and sadness but also united in compassion and sympathy for all those affected."

He also said that the whole country is "full of admiration" for the community spirit shown by everyone in the city.

The nine killed in the pub were:

  • Robert Jenkins, 61

  • Mark O'Prey, 44

  • Colin Gibson, 33

  • John McGarrigle, 57

  • Gary Arthur, 48

  • Samuel McGhee, 56

Also killed in the crash were the pilot of the helicopter David Traill, 51, and police officers Kirsty Nelis, 36, and Tony Collins, 43.