Hotel closed after man is found dead on fire escape stairwell

Man’s body was found on a fire escape at the rear of popular wedding venue

A police probe has been launched following the sudden death of a guest at a Fife hotel.

The man was found dead in Drummonds Hotel, Markinch, yesterday morning.

An area to the rear of the hotel, understood to be where the kitchen is located, was cordoned off.

Detectives were at the hotel in Balbirnie Street, which remained closed as the investigation was carried out.

Neighbours living in Betson Street, which backs on to the hotel, said they had been asked by police officers if they had any CCTV footage that might aid the inquiry.

It is understood the body was discovered in a fire escape stairwell.

One local said: “The police appeared about 10am and we saw about eight police officers and CID.

“There was also an ambulance. “The hotel is closed, which is very, very unusual, but you could see people sitting inside.”

A neighbour said: “Police were going to all the doors. They asked if I had CCTV but they wouldn’t say what had happened.”

Police said the man’s sudden death was being treated as unexplained at this stage.

Inspector Rachael Burns, of Glenrothes police station, said: “Officers were called to an address on Balbirnie Street, Markinch, on Wednesday November 20 following the sudden death of a man.

“The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.”

Hotel group OYO had recently entered into a franchise agreement with the owner of Drummonds Hotel.

The popular wedding venue was previously known as the Laurel Bank Hotel.

A spokeswoman for the chain said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened and offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this guest.

“We are assisting the authorities however we can with their investigation and are also doing everything possible to support hotel staff.”

Markinch SNP councillor John Beare, who lives across the road from the hotel, said: “It will be both a concern and a reassurance to the community that there is a significant police presence in the town centre this morning.

“My thoughts are with not only the family and friends of the person who has died, but also with the staff and patrons of the hotel.”

Anyone who has information is urged to call Police Scotland on 101.

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The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing. INSPECTOR RACHAEL BURNS

Picture: Steve Brown. Police cordoned off the area to the rear of the hotel yesterday morning.