Man dies after falling from window during tower block fire

A man has died after falling from a window during a tower block fire in North Lanarkshire.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were called to reports of a blaze on the 12th floor of the building on Shields Drive, Motherwell, at about 22:08 on Thursday.

Police Scotland said a man was seen falling from a window during the fire, which has since been extinguished. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nine fire engines and specialist resources were deployed to the flats but no-one else was injured.

Chris Robb, who lives in the block, said he heard sirens and saw flashing lights shortly after 23:00.

However, he told BBC Scotland News he did not know the full scale of the incident until Friday morning when he received a text from his sister.

"I looked out the window and I could see all the lights, the police, but I didn't really know what was going on," he said.

"It was only this morning coming outside I heard someone had died. It is quite a shock, especially as I haven't been here long."

SFRS area commander Stephen Nesbit said: "Sadly, one male passed away at the scene.

"Our thoughts are very much with his family, friends, and wider community at this difficult time

"The fire has now been extinguished however one fire appliance remains on scene to dampen down any hotspots."

Nesbit added a joint investigation with Police Scotland would now take place.