Glasgow bin lorry crash: Bodies removed from George Square in 'heartbroken' city

The bodies of six people who were killed by a bin lorry have been removed from Glasgow city centre.

Dozens of floral tributes have been left at the tragic scene of yesterday's lorry crash in George Square, which injured 10 other people – including the driver – who was seen "slumped at the wheel" as his vehicle careered through Queen Street flattening street signs in its wake.

Police Scotland said formal identification of the deceased – one male and five females – was still due to take place.

An investigation has been launched and witnesses have been asked to come forward and post images and videos to georgesquareincident@scotland.pnn.police.uk.

Four of the casualties have been discharged from hospital, and of the remaining six in hospital two have been moved to the Intensive Therapy Unit for further monitoring.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon described Glasgow as "a city with a broken heart".

She said: "I think all of us [watching] on our televisions were again struck by just how readily people run into a scene of potential danger to help those who have been injured, those who have been affected. There was a sense in the city last night of everybody rallying round.

"There is something quite incredible about the spirit in this city. Everybody knows it is a city with a big, big heart.

"This morning it is a city with a broken heart but it will get through this as it got through the Clutha tragedy."

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, whose members have been treating the injured, decided to fly the flag on its building at half-mast today (23 December) out of respect to the people who lost their lives.

In a statement, the group, said: "The loss of a family member or friend in such a way is an unimaginably distressing experience as those of us who have experienced a similar tragedy know.

"We extend our support and thoughts to all those who were injured. We cannot speak highly enough regarding the skill and professionalism of all the rescue services.

"We know that a number of our fellows and members have been treating those injured and are gratified by the contribution they are making. We are proud to be the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of this city whose inhabitants have once again had to deal at close hand with tragedy and have responded spontaneously and in such a supportive and compassionate way for their fellow citizens."

Members of the community have laid flowers at the crash scene to pay their respects.

"As a Glaswegian living in Perth, my heart is once again broken in grief for my kinsfolk," Maria from Perth told the BBC. "As I did with the Clutha tragedy, I will make my way to Glasgow on Saturday to stand shoulder to shoulder with my people. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected."