Police given extra time to question suspect after major fire in Reading
Police and members of the fire service remain at the scene on Rowe Court
Last updated 17th Dec 2021
Police in Reading have been given more time to question a 31-year-old man on suspicion of arson and murder.
It comes after the major fire on Rowe Court, off Grovelands Road, early on Wednesday.
One person has been confirmed dead after flames engulfed a block of flats. Two other remain missing.
Specialist teams have been at the scene to assess the damage to the building, while fire crews are damping down hotspots.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police say they are "likely to be working in the area for a significant length of time".
The families of the person who has died, as well as the families of those confirmed missing, are now getting specialist support.
People evacuated from the block have been allowed to collect their belongings wherever possible. On Wednesday night many were being cared for at a local church hall.
Vehicle transporters also arrived on Thursday afternoon to remove vehicles from the car park around the burnt out block of flats. Toilets also arrived for the workers at the site. On Friday morning fencing was delivered.
A helpline is due to be set up for the victims by Reading Borough Council.