Man dies after major overnight fire at Perth flats
A man has died following a major overnight blaze at a block of flats in Perth.
An 8-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man have also been taken to hospital for treatment following the blaze on Scott Street in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Two firefighters also sustained minor injuries, with one injured by fallen masonry.
Police have not confirmed the age of the man who has died.
Twelve fire engines were called to tackle the blaze in a block of flats on the corner of Scott Street and South Street.
Police said partner agencies were supporting the occupants of neighbouring flats.
Around 40 local residents were evacuated from their homes and were taken to the nearby Salutation Hotel.
Sections of Scott Street and South Street remain shut to traffic and members of the public.
Witnesses said the roof of the Scott Street property was well alight, with thick smoke billowing into the air and visible from surrounding streets.
Crews used an aerial appliance to battle the flames.
Police and firefighters remained on the scene throughout Saturday, with members of the public urged to avoid the area.
Emergency services had been called to a top floor property above the Royal Bar at just before 2am.
Police officers had discovered the blaze whilst patrolling in the area.
Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside said: 'Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.
'Investigations are at a very early stage to establish the full circumstances of what has happened.
'We are conducting a joint investigation with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
'As part of our investigations a temporary airspace restriction is place in the Scott Street and South Street areas in Perth until 1pm on Wednesday for security and your safety.
'A police cordon remains in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.'
Earlier, the fire service confirmed they had been alerted at 1.47am on Saturday to reports of a fire.
Andy Girrity, deputy chief officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: 'On arrival, firefighters found the roof of a four-storey residential building well alight.
'Initially, three appliances were mobilised, but due to the severity of the blaze and structural collapses, a total of twelve appliances were involved at the height of the incident.
'Five casualties, including one firefighter injured by falling masonry, were passed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.
'The incident has now been scaled back, and two appliances and one height vehicle remain on scene to dampen down hotspots.'
First Minister John Swinney said the announcement a man had died is 'utterly tragic news'.
He added: 'My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this traumatic time.'
Perth & Kinross Council confirmed it had a number of staff in attendance at the Salutation Hotel to provide support to those affected by the fire.
The local authority also said Perth city centre streets would continued to be impacted on Sunday, with emergency services expected to remain at the scene.
Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of the council, said: 'I would like to send sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who has tragically lost his life in this incident.
'My thoughts are also with all the other people who have been affected by this very serious fire.
'I wish to praise the significant immediate response from all the first responders and especially our brave firefighters who hurried towards this major fire and put their lives at risk to rescue occupants from the building and tackle the blaze.
'National resources have been deployed including a dedicated height appliance which has been central to our brave firefighters' efforts.
'We are working to make sure that everyone who has been displaced has suitable alternative accommodation in place.'
Shocked neighbours said they awoke to the sound of sirens rushing to the scene.
One man said: 'I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was a huge blaze, with what looked like an entire block of flats on fire.
'I could tell from the height it was the roof space, and it looked right in the middle of the city centre.
'I could hear sirens and saw more blue lights heading into town as additional emergency services arrived.
'The flames were reaching pretty high and the smoke was billowing straight up – it would have been visible from right across Perth.
'I just couldn't get over the scale of the fire and really hope everyone got out before it spread.'
Slater Perera, who lives in the opposite block, said they felt the heat from the blaze.
The 29-year-old said: 'We heard people screaming at around 1.45am and we saw the huge flames from our bedroom window.
'We literally felt the heat from the fire and called 999.
'I live in Loretto House and tried to wake everyone up at my flats to alert them to what was going on.
'We arrived at a friend's' flat nearby for shelter.'
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