>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.
>
>BBC Scotland reporter Graeme Ogston said it was understood that bodies were removed from the scene and into a private ambulance shortly before midday.
>
>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.”Councillor Eric Drysdale, who is deputy leader of Perth and Kinross Council told BBC News: “At any time of the year, incidents such as this would be dreadful, but especially in the festive period, it is just shocking.”
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The developing article:
>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.
>
>BBC Scotland reporter Graeme Ogston said it was understood that bodies were removed from the scene and into a private ambulance shortly before midday.
>
>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.”Councillor Eric Drysdale, who is deputy leader of Perth and Kinross Council told BBC News: “At any time of the year, incidents such as this would be dreadful, but especially in the festive period, it is just shocking.”