The cause of the fire is being investigated

Thomas and Anne Balmer, who run Rosepark Care Home in Uddingston, said that everyone connected with the home was distraught at the loss of life.

Firefighters were called to the home at 0437 GMT on Saturday.

Emergency crews said smoke from the fire spread quickly to the bedrooms where elderly residents slept.

'Shattered'

In a statement, the couple said: "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives or who are now in hospital.

"Our staff and ourselves are shattered by this loss of life. We consider all our residents as part of our family and many have been with us for a number of years.

"We too are shocked and grieving. We are extremely grateful for the quick response of the emergency services and the disciplined manner in which my staff coped with this terrible incident.

"We are extremely grateful for the assistance of North Lanarkshire Council, social services, Lanarkshire Health Board and offers of help from the Care Commission and many others to numerous to mention.

"We appreciate the intense interest in this tragedy, but would appeal to the media that they allow relatives and my staff the privacy to come to terms with their loss.

"Both police and fire services are continuing with their inquiries into the cause of this tragedy."