The NHS has paid tribute to one of its workers killed outside a hospital as police confirmed the identities of three people who died in linked incidents in East Ayrshire on Thursday.

NHS worker Emma Robertson Coupland, 39, was found injured in the car park of University Hospital Crosshouse, near Kilmarnock, at around 7.45pm but died at the scene.

Her daughter Nicole Anderson, 24, was stabbed in a second incident 20 minutes later on Portland Street, Kilmarnock. She was taken to hospital but later died.

Steven Robertson, 40, died in a crash on the C50 – a minor road between the B7036 and the A76 on the outskirts of Kilmarnock – at around 8.30pm.

Police confirmed their identities as they appealed for witnesses.

Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain, local policing commander for Ayrshire Division, said: “As you can imagine, the families of those involved are absolutely devastated and still coming to terms with what has happened.

“They have requested that they be allowed to grieve privately at this time.”

He said that the investigation is ongoing and police are not looking for anyone else as part of the inquiry.

He appealed for anyone who has information or relevant footage and was in the area of the incidents to get in touch with police.

Colleagues of Ms Robertson Coupland have paid tribute to the NHS worker.

John Burns, chief executive of NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: “Emma was a valued member of our Domestic Services team, and she will be sadly missed by her colleagues.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and colleagues. We would ask that the media respect the privacy of those involved.”

He added: “We have increased the staff care support available to our staff, and we are encouraging any members of our staff who have been affected to take advantage of the support available – whether that is by calling our helplines and speaking to a member of the staff care team, or attending the staff wellbeing hub.”

The family of Ms Robertson Coupland and Ms Anderson have raised more than £22,000 towards their funerals through an online fundraiser.