New County Hotel Perth: three people and a dog die after fire at hotel in Scotland

Three people have died after a fire broke out at a hotel in Scotland. Twenty one ambulance crews and nine fire trucks had been called out to the blaze at the New County Hotel on County Place, Perth.

Police Scotland confirmed the deaths of the three people and said they 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.”

BBC Scotland reported that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said three people and a dog died. Emergency services were called to the property in County Square shortly after 5am on Monday. A number of people were treated at the scene for minor injuries by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Hotel guests and two people from a neighbouring block of flats were evacuated. The force appealed to the public to avoid the area, while Perth and Kinross Council said a number of roads in the area had been closed.

The local authority announced the road closures on Twitter, saying they were “due to an ongoing incident”. It added: “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.”

What has been said about the tragedy?

Deputy First Minister John Swinney described the fatalities as “heartbreaking news”.Mr Swinney, the MSP for Perthshire North, tweeted: “My sympathies with all affected by this tragedy.”

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

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.”

Giving a statement near the scene, Jason Sharp, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area commander for Perth, Kinross, Angus and Dundee, said: “This was a very complex incident where tragically three people were pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts are very much with the immediate family and friends at this difficult time. Our firefighters worked extremely hard in a very complex and challenging environment to prevent the further spread of fire and damage where possible.

“At its height, we had nine fire appliances in attendance with over 60 firefighters. We’re currently still in attendance to make sure the scene is safe. I would like to thank our crews and our other emergency partners and local authority for their support.

“Our firefighters and community action teams have and will continue to engage to ensure safety in this area and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders and Police Scotland in any subsequent investigation.”