Three die after fire breaks out at Perth hotel

2 January 2023, 11:39 | Updated: 2 January 2023, 15:43

Emergency services were called to the fire at the New County hotel near the centre the city shortly after 5am this morning.
Emergency services were called to the fire at the New County hotel near the centre the city shortly after 5am this morning. Picture: Twitter / @Perth_Librarian

By Asher McShane

Three people have died after a fire broke out at a hotel in Perth, police have said.

Emergency services were called to the New County Hotel at around 5.10am. A dog also died in the fire.

Guests were evacuated from the hotel and members of the public have been asked to avoid the area.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Shortly before 5.10am on Monday January 2, police were called to a report of a fire at the New County Hotel, County Place, Perth.

 “Emergency services are at the scene. A number of guests have been evacuated from the hotel."

The Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed “21 resources including our Special Operation Resource Team” were dispatched to the incident.

The New County Hotel in Perth before the fire
The New County Hotel in Perth before the fire. Picture: Google

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."

Deputy First Minister John Swinney described the fatalities as "heartbreaking news".
Deputy First Minister John Swinney described the fatalities as "heartbreaking news". Picture: Twitter / @Perth_Librarian

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 inquiries 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."

Police Scotland said officers were called to the hotel in County Place shortly before 5.10am.

Emergency services were called to the New County Hotel at around 5.10am.
Emergency services were called to the New County Hotel at around 5.10am. Picture: Twitter / @Perth_Librarian

Guests had been evacuated, along with two people staying in a neighbouring block of flats.

A number of people were treated for minor injuries by crews from the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Roads surrounding the hotel were closed off with members of the public asked to avoid the area.

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 05:05hrs.

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

Local MP Pete Wishart said the fire was "simply awful news at the beginning of the year when so many people are out celebrating".

1
1. Picture: Twitter / @Perth_Librarian

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."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Proud Boys claim they will go to voting places as Trump repeats election fraud lies.

Proud Boys making plans to mobilise as Trump repeats election fraud lies

File photo of a real NHS dentist

Desperate Brits fall for scam 'fake NHS dentists' amid years-long waits for appointments

The Kremlin is suspected of plotting the attack

'Parcel bombs' that blew up in warehouse were 'rehearsal' for Russian explosion attack on flight to US

Keir Starmer is not set to ban smoking in pub gardens, contrary to earlier reports

Cigarettes will not be banned in pub gardens under new Labour plan create 'smoke-free generation'

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Reading, Pennsylvania

Trump threatens Mexico with 100% tariffs unless it cracks down on border crossings

Bridget Phillipson told Tonight with Andrew Marr that the fee hike was necessary to secure the future of universities.

‘Universities must reform’ says education secretary after first hike in tuition fees in 8 years

Two more cases of a new strain of mpox have been detected in the UK, officials say

Two more cases of new mpox strain detected in UK

Anya Taylor-Joy and her musician husband were the victims of a terrifying robbery

Anya Taylor-Joy and musician husband victims of burglary at London mansion

Exclusive
Nigel Farage speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari about new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch

'The Remainers are back in town': Nigel Farage says Kemi Badenoch will bring 'no change whatsoever' to Tories

Amy Dowden

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden will not return to show this year following 'medical emergency'

Scott Paterson murdered his landlady Annette Smith

Tenant murdered and dismembered elderly landlady before posing as her by sending Christmas cards to family

Robert Jenrick, Priti Patel and Mel Stride will all serve in Kemi Badenoch's Shadow Cabinet

Kemi Badenoch names former leadership rivals Robert Jenrick and Priti Patel to Tory Shadow Cabinet team

Bridget Phillipson has confirmed the tuition fee rise

University tuition fees to rise for first time in eight years, as Tories accuse Labour of 'declaring war on students'

Sara Sharif had suffered dozens of injuries in the weeks leading up to her death, a court has heard

Video of Sara Sharif smiling and dancing 'days before murder' shown to court

Transport for London (TfL) has warned passengers that no Tube services are expected on Thursday 7 November

November Tube strikes to bring London to a halt this week despite RMT calling off action

Stuart Gogg during the Six Nations rugby match between France and Scotland in Saint-Denis, 26 February 2023

Former Scotland rugby captain pleads guilty to domestic abuse over five-year period against former partner