Two sisters and man who died in Perth fire are named and pictured

Police Scotland have confirmed the identities of three people who died in a Perth hotel fire.

Sisters, Donna Janse Van Rensburg, 44, and Sharon McLean, 47, from Aberdeen were named as victims of the incident. 

Keith Russell, 38, and Donna's dog Joey were also identified following the New County Hotel fire.

The fire took place just after 5am on January 2 this year at the hotel on County Place in the town. 

Emergency services rushed to the scene after the building caught alight, with more than 60 firefighters battling the flames and neighbouring buildings evacuated.

Despite the best efforts of medical services, Donna, Sharon and Keith sadly passed.

Eleven others were treated for minor injuries, with some people having to be carried out on stretchers, according to one witness.

Following their deaths, Keith's family have released a statement.

It read: 'Keith was a loving father and loved by all his family. He will be greatly missed.'  

Chief Superintendent Phil Davison also 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.'

Giving a statement at the scene in Perth, Jason Sharp, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area commander for Perth, Kinross, Angus and Dundee, also said: 'This was a very complex incident where tragically three people were pronounced dead at the scene.

'Our thoughts are very much with the immediate family and friends at this difficult time.'