14 hours ago
Man dies and girl, 8, injured as fire rips through four-storey residential building
A man has died and an eight-year-old girl has been taken to hospital after a fire tore through a four-storey residential building in Perth.
A 27-year-old man has also been taken to hospital after the blaze took hold in flats on the corner of Scott Street and South Street.
Steps have been taken to impose temporary airspace restrictions, including on drones, across Perth city centre until 1pm on Wednesday 'for security and safety', according to Police Scotland.
Officers patrolling the area initially reported the fire on Saturday at about 1.50am.
Two firefighters were injured, one due to falling masonry, as a dozen fire crews battled the blaze.
Forty people were forced to leave their homes as nearby buildings were evacuated following the fire.
John Swinney, the First Minister who is also the MSP for Perthshire North, said on social media: 'Terribly sorry to hear of the death of a man in the fire in Scott Street, Perth. I express my sympathy to his family.
'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.'
A joint investigation is being held by the police and fire services and road closures remain in place at the scene.
Chief Supt Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside, said: 'Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. Investigations are at a very early stage to establish the full circumstances of what has happened.
'We are conducting a joint investigation with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). As part of our investigations a temporary airspace restriction is place in the Scott Street and South Street areas in Perth until 1pm on Wednesday June 18 for security and your safety.
'Restrictions include drones. 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.'
Andy Girrity, deputy assistant chief officer at the SFRS, added: 'On arrival, firefighters found the roof of a four-storey residential building well alight.
'Initially, three appliances were mobilised, but due to the severity of the blaze and structural collapses, a total of 12 appliances were involved at the height of the incident.
'Five casualties, including one firefighter injured by falling masonry, were passed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.
'The incident has now been scaled back, and two appliances and one height vehicle remain on scene to dampen down hotspots.'
