A PERSON has died after a fire ripped through a flat in Inverness in the early hours.
The blaze broke out this morning at a property on Tomatin Road in the southeast of the city.
Residents were forced to flee their homes as flames destroyed a flat above a row of shops.
Fire crews scrambled to the scene after the alarm was raised around 2.10am.
But it has since emerged that one person has tragically lost their life.
The devastating fire has gutted the first floor property and destroyed the roof.
Three fire engines and a height appliance were dispatched to tackle the blaze.
Firefighters used a hose reel jet to battle the flames as neighbouring residents were advised to flee their homes for safety.
An investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fatal blaze.
It is understood that Tomatin Road is due to reopen shortly.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of a fire at a property on Tomatin Road, Inverness, around 2.10am on Thursday, 11 July, 2024. Emergency services are in attendance and one person has died as a result of the fire.
“A number of residents have been evacuated. Tomatin Road is closed and is expected to re-open shortly.
“Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.”
Area commander Michael Humphreys, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s local senior officer for the Highlands, said: “We were alerted at 2.03am on Thursday, 11 July, to reports of a fire at a flat at Tomatin Road, Inverness.
“Operations Control mobilised four appliances and a specialist height appliance to the scene where crews extinguished the fire affecting a two-storey building.
“Sadly, one person was pronounced dead at the scene. Our thoughts are very much with family, friends, and the wider community at this difficult time.
“A joint investigation alongside Police Scotland is now underway.”