An Edinburgh man has been confirmed to have been one of the three people that died in a tragic hotel fire in Perth earlier this week.
Police Scotland have named 38-year-old Keith Russell as being one of the trio that lost their lives in the blaze that engulfed the New County hotel on Monday morning.
Described as a "loving father", Keith's family paid tribute to him on Friday, after a huge emergency response had raced to the accommodation shortly after 5am.
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In a statement, they said: “Keith was a loving father and loved by all his family. He will be greatly missed."
Sisters Donna Janse Van Rensburg, 44, and Sharon McLean, 47, from Aberdeen, were also named as the two other victims of the fire, which saw over 60 firefighters attempt to get it under control.
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Donna’s dog, Joey, a three year-old King Charles spaniel, also died.
Both families have asked for privacy. Keith’s family has released the following statement: “Keith was a loving father and loved by all his family. He will be greatly missed."
The incident happened just after 5am on Monday, 2 January, 2023, at the hotel on County Place in the town.
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of those who died as well as the many people affected by this incident.
“A joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is ongoing and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
“I would like to again thank all the emergency services and partner agencies involved as well as the local community for their patience while enquiries are carried out.”
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