Bodies removed from the Scotsman Hotel as cause of death reported as cyanide suicide
Investigations into the cause of the deaths of a man and a woman in a room of the Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh are on-going as Scotland Police confirm that the emergency operation has now concluded and the bodies removed from the scene.
Two bodies were found at around 12:15pm yesterday amid reports of a suspected "chemical incident". As well as the police and ambulance services, a team of more than 25 fire fighters was dispatched as a precaution, in what was described as normal procedure in any investigation regarding unknown chemicals.
The Edinburgh Evening News last night reported that the deceased may have been involved in a suicide pact using the lethal chemical cyanide, but Scotland Police are yet to confirm the specific details and await the results of forensic analysis on the bodies. They are still treating the deaths as unexplained and next of kin are still to be informed.
All traces of any chemicals concerned have now been removed, while Scotland Fire and Rescue repeated its statement that the danger had been isolated to the room involved and that there is no risk to hotel staff or any member of the public.
Located in a historic building on Edinburgh's North Bridge, the Scotsman is one of Edinburgh's most expensive luxury hotels, with rooms starting at £375.
The five-star hotel was bought by the Arab-owned JJW Hotels & Resorts after it fell into administration late last year.
