Christophe Ferrand dies following mansion blaze

Christophe Ferrand was a senior manager at Aegon

A leading businessman has died following a "serious" fire at a large mansion house near Falkirk.

Christophe Ferrand, 44, a senior manager at Aegon Asset Management, was rescued from the blaze, but died later on in hospital.

A 45-year-old woman and two children - a 14-year-old boy and eight-year-old girl - were also taken to hospital, where the boy remains.

The fire was discovered at the house in Dunmore Park, Airth, at about 0500 BST.

Mr Ferrand was chief administrative officer of the UK division of Aegon's asset management business.

The company said in a statement that he had been an "inspirational" figure in the company and would be "sorely missed" by colleagues.

Smoke inhalation

The statement read: "It is with regret and sadness, Aegon Asset Management can confirm that a great friend and colleague, Christophe Ferrand, died in a fire at his home in Scotland last night.

"Christophe, who was the chief administrative officer of the UK division of the asset management business, had recently taken on an expanded role with responsibility for legal and finance in the UK as well as his existing responsibilities."

It added: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. We would please ask that you could please respect their privacy at this very sad time."

The woman and two children were all treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

Det Insp Ronnie Isles said: "Our inquiries are at a very early stage and the cause of the fire is still to be determined.

"However, due to the remote locality of the house we appeal for anyone who may have been in this area around the time of the fire to come forward."