Three people die in Perth hotel fire

Three people have died following a fire at New County hotel in Perth.

Emergency services were called to the hotel in County Place shortly before 5.10am today (2 January).

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said paramedics attended to 14 casualties. Eleven patients did not require hospitalisation but three died at the scene.

Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said: "Our thoughts are very much with the families and loved ones of those who have died at what is a very difficult time for everyone.

"Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and officers are conducting a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service."

Jason Sharp, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's local senior officer for Perth, Kinross, Angus and Dundee, said: "We were alerted at 5.02am on Monday, January 2, to reports of a commercial building fire at County Place, Perth.

"Operations Control mobilised nine fire appliances and specialist resources to the scene, where over 60 firefighters were in attendance. Firefighters worked hard to rescue a number of casualties from the building and transferred them into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

"Tragically, three people were pronounced dead at the scene. Our thoughts are very much with the family, friends and the wider community affected at this difficult time. A joint investigation alongside Police Scotland colleagues is now ongoing."

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