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Man dies and girl, eight, hurt in Perth flat fire

BBC A tenement block in Perth which has been badly damaged by fire. the roof and upper windows have collapsed and several other windows are smashed.BBC
The roof and upper floors were completely destroyed by the blaze

A man has died and several people including an eight-year-old girl have been injured in a flat fire in Perth.

Police officers on patrol noticed the blaze had broken out in the top floor of the four-storey building on the corner of Scott Street and South Street at about 01:50.

About 40 residents were evacuated from neighbouring properties, while 12 fire crews worked through the night to extinguish the flames and deal with structural collapses.

The eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man were taken to hospital while two firefighters, one of whom had been hurt by falling masonry, were also given medical treatment. A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

'Major incident'

The roof and top floor of the building, which houses the Royal Bar on the ground floor, has been completely destroyed.

The evacuated residents were taken to the Salutation Hotel which is being used as a respite centre.

First Minister John Swinney, the MSP for Perthshire North, said he was "terribly sorry" to hear of the man's death.

In a post on X, he said: "Concerned also for the condition of those who are receiving hospital treatment. This is a major incident and I am thankful to the emergency services."

Stuart Cowper A sandstone building on fire at night with flames bursting through the windowsStuart Cowper
Flames tore through the roof of the building at the junction of Scott Street and South Street

A joint investigation has been launched by police and the fire service.

Ch Supt Nicola Russell said inquiries were at a very early stage and as part of this, a temporary airspace restriction - which includes drones - had been put in place in the area until 13:00 on Wednesday.

She said: "You must check if it is legal to fly in your area. Drone users are responsible. It is a criminal offence to fly in restricted airspace.

"A police cordon remains in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the area."

The fire service operation has now been scaled down to two fire engines and a height vehicle to dampen down hot spots.

Scott Street and South Street are still closed.

A police officer blocking the street in Perth. He is wearing a hi-viz vest over dark clothing. In the background, there are several emergency vehicles. There are buildings on both sides of the street.
Crews remained on the scene into Saturday morning