Second blaze in week is the 'last thing city needs'

Teenager is arrested after weekend drama

- ALASTAIR MCNEILL

Perth’s MP Pete Wishart said a second ferocious blaze in the space of a week is the last thing the city needed.

Mr Wishart was speaking after the flames ripped through the former Balhousie Street Primary School building on Sunday - one week after an inferno in Scott Street claimed the life of a man and injured others including an eight-year-old girl.

The SNP MP said: “This is the last thing Perth needed whilst still reeling from the trauma of last week's devastating fire on Scott Street.

“I would like to thank the emergency services who have once again responded magnificently, arriving on the scene within minutes and working through the night to tackle the blaze.

“I am pleased that nobody has been hurt and the fire has now been extinguished.

“I will be keeping in close contact with the authorities as investigations proceed and urge local residents to keep informed on the latest advice from police.”

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser commented: “I was shocked to see the awful pictures showing the destruction of this historic building.