Police have confirmed three people were killed in a hotel fire in Perth this morning.
Emergency services raced to County Place in the Fair City at around 5.10am following reports of a fire breaking out in the New County Hotel.
Cops said an investigation has now been launched after three people were confirmed dead at the scene. A number of others were treated for minor injuries.
Hotel guests and two people from a neighbouring block of flats were evacuated.
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.”
A police cordon is in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.
Roads have been cordoned off in the city centre to allow emergency services to tackle the blaze: Hospital Street, County Place, Leonard Street and New Row have been barricaded.
Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade said: “On behalf of all Councillors and staff at Perth and Kinross Council our thoughts are with the family and friends of the three people who passed away following the fire at the New County Hotel in Perth this morning.
"This tragic incident is not the way any of us would want to see 2023 begin and I my heartfelt condolences go to everyone impacted by this fire.”
Local MSP and Deputy First Minister John Swinney posted on Facebook: "Very concerned to hear this news and hope that everyone is safe. Grateful thanks, as ever, to the emergency services for their actions."
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson “We received a call from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service of a fire at the New County Hotel in Fife at 05:05hrs. We responded with 21 resources including our Special Operation Resource Team, with our first resource on scene at 05:12hrs.”
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