Man dies in blaze at eco camp

Published on Saturday 29 January 2011 10:16

A MAN has been killed and a woman is in hospital after a blaze at an environmental protest camp in Midlothian.

The man, who is in his twenties, died after the fire broke out at the camp in Bilston, outside the city ring road, shortly after 3am today.

The woman was rushed to St John's Hospital in Livingston by paramedics, who are understood to have been first on the scene.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene but contacted police when firefighters discovered the man's body.

It is not yet clear what caused the blaze and fire investigators have not yet ascertained if it is suspicious or not.

Fire crews did not engage the fire until 4.50am but it is thought that by then the camp was clear of its inhabitants.

Police officers remained at the scene overnight and this morning fire investigators returned to the camp, several miles south of Loanhead, to examine the scene in daylight.

A police spokesman said: "Lothian and Borders Police can confirm that a man in his 20s has died following a fire at a campsite at Bilston Glen in Midlothian earlier today.

"A woman is being treated in hospital at Livingston for injuries she suffered in the fire, which police were alerted to around 3.30am.

"A joint inquiry with the fire service is being carried out into the circumstances."