BBC
Three people have died after a fire broke out at a Perth hotel.
Emergency services including 21 ambulance crews and nine fire trucks were called to the New County Hotel on County Place at about 05:10.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said three people and a dog died.
Guests were evacuated and police cordoned off the road, urging members of the public to avoid the area. Perth and Kinross Council said traffic in the area was likely to be affected.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who is the local MSP, shared his sympathies on social media.
He said: “Heartbreaking news emerging from Perth this morning. My sympathies with all affected by this tragedy.”
