‘Malicious’ fire alarm act sees fundraising tribute to Donald Ritchie cut short

A fundraising party organised in memory of an Angus man was cut short due to a ”malicious” fire alarm being raised.

Strathmore Function Hall in Forfar hosted a DJ tribute to Donald Ritchie, who died in 2010 after a 12-year struggle with heart condition cardiomyopathy.

The night began at 7.30pm and was scheduled to end at 1am, but the music ended at about midnight.

A Tayside Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: ”Members of the service attended a call in John Street, Forfar, at three minutes past 12 on Saturday night.

”A fire alarm had been tripped maliciously and there was no emergency to attend.”

Organisers are understood to be happy at the number of people who attended the busy party but disappointed it was ”cut short”.

Mr Ritchie’s sister Elaine Johnston wrote on Facebook: ”I think last night reflects Donald’s life cut unnecessarily short, but (we) enjoyed every minute while it lasted.

”Donald would be so chuffed to see you all there so a massive thank you to everyone for their support and coming along and making the night such a special one.”