Three people have died in a horror fire in a Perth hotel.
Fire and ambulance crews rushed to County Place in the Fair City at around 5am on Monday following reports of a blaze at the New County Hotel.
Police have confirmed that three people died at the scene and a number of others were treated for minor injuries.
Hotel guests and two people living in flats near the blaze were evacuated.
A full investigation has now been launched.
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.”
The cause of the blaze is currently unknown.
As part of a massive response, the streets surrounding the hotel were packed with emergency services including multiple fire engines and support vehicles as well as at least two ambulance incident response units and police vehicles. A blue incident tent was set up across from the hotel.
In the aftermath of the blaze a ladder could still be seen resting on an open second-floor window at the side of the hotel, on County Place.
MSP for Perthshire North, John Swinney, said: “I am desperately sad to hear the news that there have been fatalities in this morning’s fire at the New County Hotel in Perth. I extend my sympathy to everyone affected by this tragedy.
"I am grateful to the emergency services and to council staff for responding so swiftly to this incident and in assisting those affected.
"There is now an investigation underway and I would encourage everyone who can assist to help in any way that they can. My thoughts are very much with all those touched by this tragedy.”
As crews tackled the blaze, roads were cordoned off in the city centre: Hospital Street, County Place, Leonard Street and New Row had been barricaded.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service of a fire at the New County Hotel at 05:05hrs.
“We responded with 21 resources including our Special Operation Resource Team, with our first resource on scene at 05:12hrs.”
Cordons remain in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.
