Investigation ongoing into cause of Perth hotel fire

Investigations are continuing into a blaze which claimed the lives of three people at a hotel.

Emergency services were called to the New County Hotel in Perth just after 5am on Monday.

Three people and a dog died in the blaze, which more than 60 firefighters were involved in tackling at the height of the incident.

Guests were evacuated, as were two people staying in a neighbouring block of flats.

Eleven people were treated at the scene but did not need hospital treatment.

Police remain at the hotel on Tuesday and cordons are in place around the area.

Tents which had been put in place by emergency services outside the hotel have been removed, and inside the building investigators in hard hats could be seen.

Blue plastic sheeting covered windows on the top floor of the building.

Tributes have poured in for those killed, led by Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

In a post on Twitter, she described it as a "sad and shocking incident".

She said: "My deepest condolences are with the bereaved and my thoughts with all those involved.

"I am also hugely grateful to the firefighters who responded and to our other emergency services."

A 'very complex incident'

Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade said: "On behalf of all councillors and staff, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the three people who passed away following the fire at the New County Hotel.

"This tragic incident is not the way any of us would want to see 2023 begin and my heartfelt condolences go to everyone impacted by this fire."

Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney described the fatalities as "heart-breaking news".

Mr Swinney, the MSP for Perthshire North, tweeted: "My sympathies with all affected by this tragedy."

Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have launched a joint investigation into the incident.

Jason Sharp, the fire service's area commander, said it was a "very complex incident".

The aftermath of the blaze

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We received a call from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service of a fire at the New County Hotel in Perth at 05:05hrs.

"We dispatched 21 resources, including our Special Operations Team, and attended to 14 casualties. Eleven patients did not require hospitalisation, but sadly three patients died at the scene.

"Our thoughts remain with those who have been affected by this incident."

People in the area have been left shocked by what happened.

Zeak Muhammad, from Glasgow, who has been visiting people in the area with a friend, said: "It's a shame, we've been here for five days and we couldn't believe it, it's absolutely shocking, seemed like such a nice hotel as well.

"You never expect anything like that to happen. My thoughts are with their family.

"I'm really shocked, we saw all the roads closed early and had no idea what had happened until someone told us."

One 37-year-old woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "I'm really shocked - it's really shocking.

"We've lived around here for a long time and nothing like this has ever happened, it's a real tragedy for everyone involved.

"We live just around the corner from here and could see the flames earlier on."

Local MP Pete Wishart said the fire was "simply awful news at the beginning of the year when so many people are out celebrating".

Mr Wishart, who represents Perth and North Perthshire, added: "My thoughts are firmly with the families and friends of the victims.

"When the news broke, we all hoped that everyone would make it out and would be accounted for. This is the last thing that anybody expected.

"I know the people of Perth will be devastated by this news and would like to extend their deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragedy.

"Can I also thank the emergency services who attended the scene in such numbers."

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