Three people die in hotel blaze in Scotland
A dog was also killed in the fire in Perth
The Scottish Fire and Rescue service has confirmed three people and a dog have died following a fire at a Scottish hotel this morning.
Emergency services raced to the New County Hotel in Perth after the alarm was raised shortly after 5am.
A number of guests were evacuated and neighbouring streets in the city centre were sealed off.
More than 20 ambulance crews and nine fire trucks were among those to respond to the call.
Eyewitnesses report an area around the vicinity remains cordoned off with blue tents erected. And members of the public are being asked to avoid the area.
Local councillor Eric Drysdale said: "Please be aware this is a very serious incident. My thanks go to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland for their response to this fire.
"All announcements regarding any confirmed casualties will be made by the emergency services.
"Roads around the scene, specifically County Place, Leonard Street, New Row and Hospital Street, are closed. Please avoid the area today."
Perth & Kinross Council is warning of road closures in Hospital Street, County Place, Leonard Street and New Row as emergency services respond.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: "Closed due to an ongoing incident. Be aware that traffic in the surrounding area is also likely to be impacted as well as public transport routes. Please avoid the area if you can."