Two woman and man who died in a fire in Perth named

Police Scotland can confirm the identity of two women and a man who died following a fire at the New County Hotel in Perth.

They can be named as sisters Donna Janse Van Rensburg (pictured below right), aged 44, and Sharon McLean (pictured below left), aged 47, both from Aberdeen, and Keith Russell, aged 38, originally from Edinburgh.

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.”