A Perth letting agent says he felt compelled to help families affected by a fatal fire at a city hotel.
Three people and a dog died in the tragedy at New County Hotel on Monday morning.
An investigation has been taking place since involving Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Avey Mohammed, who owns A&S Properties – which has an office across the road from the hotel on County Place – has been helping some of those impacted by the blaze find somewhere to stay.
Avey, who was brought up in Dundee but now lives in Glencarse, has also put them in touch with charities.
‘I feel terrible for those affected’
He told The Courier: “I feel terrible for the people affected. I’m all about trying to help people and see what I can do.
“It’s not their fault they’re in this situation.
“I’ve helped two families but don’t think I’ll help any more unless people get in touch with me.”
Avey claims some of those impacted have had little help from Perth and Kinross Council, but the local authority insists it has offered residents and staff affected support on finding alternative accommodation.
Manju Prasanna, who previously told The Courier about how he had fled the fire with his wife and four-year-old daughter, is among those helped by Avey.
Manju, from Sri Lanka, says he had no clothes except the ones he was wearing on Monday morning, and has had to borrow a friend’s coat.
After helping his wife and daughter out of the hotel, he went back in for his passport and some money, leaving all clothing and medication behind.
Avey has since found Manju and his family a place to stay on South Street and referred them to Perth Welfare Society for help with clothing.
The other family Avey has helped, also from Sri Lanka, had been due to stay in the New County Hotel the day after the fire.
An investigation into the fire is continuing and police officers remain on scene.
The identities of those who died has not been confirmed, but it is understood they were two women and one man.
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