New County Hotel in Perth evacuated as fire crews battle early morning blaze

A hotel has been evacuated as fire crews work to tackle an early morning blaze in Perth.

Emergency services, including 21 ambulance resources and nine fire crews, were called to the scene at the New County Hotel, County Place, at around 5.02am on Monday.

It is currently unknown if any injuries have been reported.

Police said a number of guests have been evacuated from the hotel, and asked members of the public to avoid the area.

Perth & Kinross Council announced on social media County Place, Hospital Street, Leonard Street and New Row have been closed off.

The council added: “[Roads] closed due to an ongoing incident.

“Be aware that traffic in the surrounding area is also likely to be impacted as well as public transport routes.

“Please avoid the area if you can.”

Local MSP and deputy first minister John Swinney said on Twitter: “Very concerned to hear this news and hope that everyone is safe. Grateful thanks, as ever, to the emergency services for their actions.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are currently in attendance alongside emergency service partners at a commercial building fire at County Place in Perth.

“Operations Control mobilised nine fire appliances to the scene after the alarm was raised at 5.02am on Monday, January 2.”

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson “We received a call from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service of a fire at the New County Hotel in Fife at 5.05am.

“We responded with 21 resources including our Special Operation Resource Team, with our first resource on scene at 5.12am.”

Deputy leader of Perth & Kinross Council, councillor Eric Drysdale, warned members of the public that it was a “very serious incident”.

He added: “All announcements regarding any confirmed casualties will be made by the emergency services.

“Roads around the scene, specifically County Place, Leonard Street, New Row and Hospital Street, are closed. Please avoid the area today.”

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. Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area.”

More to follow…