A Perth man was rushed to hospital late last night after jumping four storeys from a city centre flat to escape a fire.
The 26-year-old man was said to be in a serious condition in Ninewells Hospital this morning.
The blaze took hold in 27 St Catherine’s Square at 11.35pm and was described by police as “serious”.
The complex of flats, off High Street, is used as council housing and is home to many residents with severe social problems.
A spokesman for Police Scotland Tayside Division said: “The fire was extinguished by units from Tayside Fire and Rescue and a 26-year-old male occupant was taken to Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, suffering from injuries sustained in the fire.
“His present condition is unknown.Police officers are still making enquiries into the case of the blaze.”
Six fire appliances were in attendance, with crews attending from Perth, Dunkeld, Auchterarder and Dundee.
Residents in adjoining flats were evacuated while firefighters tackled the blaze.
Fortunately, the damage was contained within one property, although the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remained on the scene until after 2.15am damping down and ensuring the flames didn’t spread.
A joint investigation will now be carried out with Police Scotland.
Incident Commander Billy McLintock said: “I would like to give my thanks to the firefighters and partner agencies for their swift and effective actions, which undoubtedly brought this serious fire to a safe conclusion.”
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Courier.
Photo by Stuart Cowper