A body has been found in the ruins of a fire-ravaged Perth superstore.
Police confirmed the grim discovery on Sunday evening as construction crews worked to secure the B&M building so it could be searched.
The body has yet to be formally identified, however police are supporting a family believed to be that of the deceased.
A man, who has been missing since a major blaze ripped through the store in St Catherine’s Retail Park in the early hours of August 24, had been spotted on CCTV entering the premises shortly before.
There was no evidence that he had left the building.
Chief Inspector Ian Scott, Perth and Kinross local area commander, said: “As communicated at the end of last week, our enquiries gave us reason to believe that there may be a person within the building.
“Our investigation into the fire has therefore been conducted with this possibility in mind.
“Formal identification of the body found has yet to take place, however, we believe that we know the identity of the individual and specialist officers are providing support to their family at this time.
“The damage to the building is extensive and we are working closely with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other partners to establish the full circumstances.”
Mr Scott said a police presence would be maintained at the scene until the investigation was complete, which could be some time.
Disruption in the immediate area would be unavoidable as work went on at the site, he said, with no pedestrian access between Glasgow Road and Morrisons until the area was made safe.
He added: “We would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding.”
Emergency crews were scrambled to the shop just after 2am last Saturday.
About 50 firefighters spent hours tackling the inferno, with 10 appliances and three aerial platforms sent to the scene.
During the operation, dozens of animals were rescued from the Pets At Home store next door.
The fire is being treated as suspicious.
