Three people and a dog have died in a hotel blaze in Perth with 999 crews racing to the scene after the fire broke out, Police Scotland have confirmed. 

Emergency services were called to a report of a fire at the three star New County Hotel, County Place, shortly before 5.10am today.

Three people were confirmed dead at the scene while a number of others were treated for minor injuries by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Hotel guests and two people from a neighbouring block of flats were evacuated and are being supported.

Emergency services at the scene after a fire at the New County Hotel in Perth

Roads are being blocked off by emergency services who rushed to the scene this morning

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.’

Douglas Ross, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives and MP for Moray and MSP for the Highlands and Islands tweeted: ‘Absolutely awful to hear of the fire in a Perth hotel which has claimed the lives of 3 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.’ 

Smoke and fire damage to windows at the scene of a fatal fire at the New County Hotel in Perth

Hotel guests and two people from a neighbouring block of flats were evacuated and are being supported 

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Road closures are in place in the area while emergency services deal with the incident 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it had sent nine appliances to the scene

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.’

Their comments came as 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 being asked to avoid the area. 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it had sent nine appliances to the scene after the alarm was raised at 5.02am.

A spokesperson for the SFRS said: ‘We are currently in attendance alongside emergency service partners at a commercial building fire at County Place in Perth.’

Meanwhile, 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 05:05hrs.

‘We responded with 21 resources including our special operation resource team, with our first resource on scene at 05:12hrs.’

More to follow.