Three people have died after a fire broke out at a hotel in Scotland. Police cordoned off the area around the New County Hotel in Perth at about 5.10am on Monday. In total, 21 ambulance crews and nine fire engines attended the scene. Three people and a dog died, according to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. A number of others were treated for minor injuries, it said. Hotel guests and two people from a neighbouring block of flats were evacuated. Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said an inquiry had been opened into the cause of the fire. "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 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it had sent nine appliances to the scene after the alarm was raised at 5.02am. A spokesperson said: "We are currently in attendance alongside emergency service partners at a commercial building fire at County Place in Perth." A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We received a call from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service of a fire at the New County Hotel in Perth at 05.05am. "We responded with 21 resources including our special operation resource team, with our first resource on scene at 05.12am." Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who is the local Member of the Scottish Parliament, said his sympathies were with those affected. “Heartbreaking news emerging from Perth this morning. My sympathies with all affected by this tragedy,” he wrote on social media. Local MP Pete Wishart said the fire was "simply awful news at the beginning of the year when so many people are out celebrating". Mr 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." Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Douglas Ross MP, tweeted: “Absolutely awful to hear of the fire in a Perth hotel which has claimed the lives of three people. “What a tragic start to 2023. My thoughts go out to the loved ones of those who have died. As always, thanks to our emergency services for their swift response in tragic circumstances.”
