LOCAL and national politicians reacted with horror as events unfolded in George Square.

City council leader Gordon Matheson said: "This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, particularly the families of those who have lost their lives.

"My priority now is to do what we can to support everyone involved and to give every assistance to the police and other emergency services as they investigate this incident and care for those who are injured."

Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: "This is shocking and upsetting. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by this terrible incident."

Prime Minister David Cameron said he was being kept fully briefed about the events in Glasgow city centre.

He said: "My thoughts are with the families of those involved and the emergency services."

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "Terrible news from Glasgow - my thoughts are with all those affected by this horrific accident."

Glasgow MSP Sandra White, was near the scene at the time of the crash and went straight there.

She said: "People are in shock, people are saying: 'Please God not another tragedy like the Clutha so close to Christmas. That is what people have been saying to me.

"People were just doing Christmas shopping and it looks like the bin lorry has lost control, skidded and ploughed into another car which has hit people.

"There are so many injuries. There was a lot of confusion and people are in a state of shock.

"I have been asking people to stay away and let the emergency services do their job.

"It is so horrific, there are people coming in to use the train station and no one knows what's going on."

Glasgow MP Ian Davidson said: "This is obviously a major tragedy for the city which is appalling at any time of year but particularly so in the run up to Christmas.

"Our thoughts obviously go to the families of those concerned and we hope the emergency services can manage to bring matters under control and provide support and assistance to the injured as quickly as possible."

Glasgow Labour MP Anas Sarwar said: "What has happened is heartbreaking particularly as a year ago there was another tragedy in this great city.

"What we saw then is what I am sure we will see again - our emergency services and families pulling together as one city to show our collective support.

"It is tragic news and our thoughts go out to all the families that have been affected."

Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael said: "I share Scotland's deep shock at the horrible events in Glasgow.

"On the eve of the festive period, these are unimaginable scenes in one of the busiest parts of our largest city.

"My thoughts are with the bereaved, the emergency services dealing with the aftermath and everyone affected by this terrible incident."

Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson was in Glasgow at the time of the accident and paid tribute to the way people reacted.

She said: "I was in Argyle Street doing my Christmas shopping. It would appear that the response, just like last year with the Clutha disaster, by passers-by, pedestrians, normal Glaswegians has been magnificent.

"They came to aid at the very beginning. They stopped traffic as soon as the emergency services got there.

"They followed all instructions. They did everything that they could."