Alex Salmond, the First Minister, has told the Scottish Parliament that the deaths of three asylum seekers in an apparent suicide could be investigated through a fatal accident inquiry.

Mr Salmond raised the prospect in Holyrood as he offered his "deep sympathy" to those affected by the deaths in Glasgow.

The bodies of the father, mother and son were found at the bottom of a 31-storey block in Petershill Drive, Springburn, on Sunday. They are thought to have jumped from the 15th floor of the tower block, known as the Red Road flats.

The names of the three Russian nationals have not been released by police but it is understood they were Serguei Serykh, 43, his wife Tatiana and stepson.

During First Minister's Questions on Thursday, the SNP leader said: "I offer my deep sympathy to those who have been affected. I remain committed, and I hope this whole chamber remains committed, to the fair treatment of all those who seek asylum here in Scotland.

"I think a great deal has been done, not just through public authorities, but through voluntary agencies to support those who sought asylum in Scotland."

Turning to the "specific circumstances" of the deaths, Mr Salmond said: "One potential route would be a fatal accident inquiry."
This would be at the discretion of the Lord Advocate and her law officers, he told Parliament.

Labour constituency MSP Paul Martin prompted the comments by asking Mr Salmond to "look into the tragic circumstances of these sad deaths" and ensure proper resources are in place to support asylum seekers and their local communities.

Glasgow-based charity Positive Action in Housing has already called for a public inquiry into the deaths in the Red Road area.