A body has been found after a major fire at a flat in Blairgowrie.
Emergency services including five fire crews were called to John Street just before 5pm on Thursday.
Firefighters spent more than four hours at the scene.
On Friday morning it was confirmed that a person has died in the fire.
Their identity has yet to be confirmed.
John Swinney, Perthshire North MSP, told of his shock on Twitter.
He posted: “Terribly sorry to hear this news.
“My condolences to those affected by this tragedy.”
‘We’re absolutely devastated that someone has died’
One woman who works nearby, who asked not to be named, told The Courier: “We’re absolutely devastated that someone has died.
“It was evident pretty quickly it was a bad fire, the flames were shooting out of the windows.
“It became apparent later that evening that someone had died.
“Our thoughts are with the person’s family.”
An 88-year-old woman who lives in the area said: “The homes on one side of the street were evacuated as far as I understand.
“The smoke was horrendous and the emergency services were here for a number of hours.”
Another woman who has lived nearby for 20 years, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s devastating what’s happened.
Bang and ‘black, acrid smoke’
“People heard a bang and there was just this black, acrid smoke pouring inside homes.
“We did fear it wasn’t going to be good news – it’s a horrible way to go.”
The fire service confirmed it was called to the scene at 4.48pm.
The blaze had been put out by 7pm but crews remained there until 9.20pm.
Police confirm fatality in Blairgowrie fire
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5pm on Thursday, police were called to the John Street area of Blairgowrie, following a report of a fire at a property.
“The fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and the body of a person was found within.
“Formal identification is yet to take place.
“A joint investigation remains ongoing, but there is not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
