A MAN has died and another is in hospital following an explosion and fire at a recycling centre.

The fire service was called to the blaze at the Shore Recycling centre on Friarton Road in Perth at 12.39am on Tuesday.

Police Scotland said the body of a 46-year-old man was found at the site.

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The force said formal identification has yet to take place but his next of kin are aware.

A 41-year-old man was seriously injured and was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where he is said to be in a stable condition.

The M90 motorway has been closed in both directions at Friarton Bridge, with motorists asked to avoid the area.

Chief Inspector Tom Leonard said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has died at what is a very difficult time for them.

“Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and officers are conducting a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“I would like to thank members of the public, particularly road users, for their patience while our colleagues in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service work to put out the fire.

“Officers are continuing to liaise with other emergency services and partners while inquiries are carried out.”

In a post on social media, Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said he was "terribly sorry to read this news" as he expressed sympathies with those "bereaved by this tragedy". 

The fire service said six fire engines and other specialist appliances are tackling the blaze.

Traffic Scotland tweeted: “The Friarton Bridge remains closed both ways due to a serious fire.

“There’s no estimated time for the bridge to reopen.

“Police are still asking drivers to avoid the area.”

Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said it was a "very concerning incident" and that he and his team were "monitoring events very closely".

He added: "My understanding is there has been some kind of explosion around an industrial recycling centre in the early hours, causing a significant fire and sending thick smoke high into the air."

Meanwhile, MP for Perth and North Perthshire Pete Wishart called for a "full investigation" into the incident. 

He said: “The terrible explosion and fire at the Shore Recycling centre has stunned the whole of Perth, and for someone to lose their life so shortly after the tragic fire in the New County Hotel has just compounded the sense of shock.

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"All of us in the city offer our condolences to the man’s family during this devastating time. We also hope for a speedy recovery to the other man who has been hospitalised by the incident. 

“This is the third fire at the Shore Road site in less than two years, and what we now need is a full investigation into what happened, a proper examination into what measures were put in place following the previous incidents, and information on what the statutory authorities were doing to monitor the ongoing situation at Shore Road."