Victims of Perth hotel fire named by police

Three people who died in a Perth hotel fire have been named by police.

Sisters Donna Janse Van Rensburg, 44, and Sharon McLean, 47, both from Aberdeen, were killed in the fire at the New County hotel on 2 January.

Keith Russell, 38, who was originally from Edinburgh, also died.

Both families have asked for privacy. A tribute by Russell’s family described him as a “loving father” who was “loved by all his family” and would be “greatly missed.

Van Rensburg’s dog, a three-year-old King Charles spaniel named Joey, also died.

Emergency services were called to the hotel shortly before 5.10am on 2 January and over 60 firefighters worked to tackle the incident.

It has since been reported that a fire safety audit of the hotel ordered 21 improvements to be made just three weeks before the fire. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service found issues with emergency lighting, fire doors and escape routes at the property, according to The Courier.

An investigation into the fire is still ongoing.

Chief superintendent Phil Davison of Police Scotland 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.”

Image: Police Scotland