Police leave the scene of Reading flat fire
It's nearly three months since the fire at Rowe Court in which two people died
Thames Valley Police say they've now completed their work at the scene of a fire at a block of flats in west Reading.
Officers from Thames Valley Police have been working at Rowe Court since the outbreak of a major fire there on 15 December last year.
Two people were killed, and a man has been charged in connection with this.
The bodies of the two men, were recovered from the building on 31 January, and were last month formally identified as Neil Morris, aged 45, and Richard Burgess, aged 46.
However, the Major Crime Unit continues its investigation into the incident.
From Monday 7 March AXA insurance will be looking after the site on behalf of the building owner Long Term Reversions (Torquay) Limited.
Superintendent Steve Raffield, local area commander for Reading, said:
“This has been an incredibly painful and distressing time for a lot of people, so I would like to thank everyone for the patience and support which they have shown since December.
“Although there will no longer be police officers at the site, work will still continue to make the area safe, and members of the public will continue to see activity at Rowe Court as a result.
“Our thoughts remain with the families of Neil and Richard, and everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident.”
Reading Borough Council continues to provide support to displaced residents. Seven residents are being provided with emergency accommodation at this time with other displaced residents staying with family or friends. The Council continues to work with the property management company and its insurers, to support residents who have been displaced by the fire in any way it can, in both their short-term and long-term needs.
As a reminder, Victims First can provide free emotional support and information. You can visit their website for more information - www.victims-first.org.uk
When the Victims First office is closed, you can alternatively contact:
Mind information line - 0300 123 3393
The Samaritans (open 24/7) – 116 123