Investigations after man dies in caravan fire

POLICE and fire chiefs are investigating a fatal blaze at a Tayside fruit farm.

At least one person died in the fire which destroyed a static caravan at Mains of Errol. Emergency services were scrambled to the Carse of Gowrie site, between St Madoes and Errol, in the early hours of yesterday.

Details of the victim have yet to be released, but it is understood to be a young man.

Fire broke out in a caravan park used as accommodation for migrant workers.

Investigators threw a cordon around several mobile homes, while forensic teams in white protective clothing sifted through the wreckage of a burnt-out caravan.

Officers also spent yesterday questioning eastern European workers in neighbouring caravans.

A force spokesman said: “A joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is being conducted and inquiries are at an early stage.”

Efforts are being made to trace the victim’s family.

The farm is operated by W Glen and Son, one of the country’s top producers of soft fruit. The company declined to comment.

It is understood the fire broke out after midnight and the alarm was raised by migrant workers in a nearby caravan.

Bosses from the family-run business were at the scene, offering assistance to fire crews, through the night and into the early hours of yesterday.

W Glen and Son employs 200 seasonal workers each year. The firm, which works across 365 acres of farmland by the River Tay, has rows of caravans for migrant staff.