Homes evacuated after city blaze

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At least a dozen people have been forced to spend the night in temporary accommodation after a huge blaze broke out in Perth city centre.

More than 40 firefighters were called to the scene as the blaze ripped through a four-storey block in the city's Methven Street.

The fire is believed to have started in the basement of a florist's shop on the ground floor of the block.

Tayside Fire and Rescue Service said a fire investigation was due to begin.

An emergency call was made to the fire service at about 1930 GMT on Wednesday.

By the time crews arrived the fire had already taken hold and one person had to be rescued from a first floor flat. No injuries were reported.

Rush hour

The remaining properties in the block were evacuated with some residents having to spend the night in the city's St Ninians Hall.

Tayside Police closed the street as fire crews fought to contain the blaze well into the night.

A spokeswoman for the brigade said the fire had spread from the florist to roof space in the block, damaging much of the building.

Two fire crews are still on the scene dampening down the building.

Tayside Police said an adjoining hairdresser had also been damaged by fire.

A spokesman for the force said Methven Road was likely to remain closed during the morning rush-hour.