Search of west Reading fire flats won't take place for weeks
Police say the building needs to be surrounded by scaffolding to make it safe from collapse
Seven days on from the major fire at Rowe Court in west Reading Police say it'll be weeks before a search of the building can take place.
One person died in the fire and two people are missing.
A man has been charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life and remanded in custody.
Thames Valley Police say an extensive assessment by specialist structural engineers has confirmed that there is significant structural damage to the building with a high risk of walls collapsing. Therefore, structural scaffolding is now being put up around the building to make it as safe as possible. This work is expected to take several weeks.
In a statement they added:
"Once the building has been made safe, emergency services will resume their work with priority being given to confirm whether those who have been reported missing are in the building and if so, recover them respectfully and with dignity.
"Officers will continue to protect the scene throughout this period.
The next of kin of those reported missing continue to be supported by specialist officers from Thames Valley Police."
Reading Borough Council continue to support the local community and their contact centre is available 24/7 to provide support on 0118 937 3787. They're asking for people who want to help to give cash donations online at a dedicated webpage set up for this appeal at https://www.reading.gov.uk/rowecourt.
The Council will ensure the donations reach affected residents at the appropriate time.
Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council said:
“The local community - indeed Reading as a whole - remains in shock at this horrific fire, which somehow feels even more distressing coming as it did just a few days before Christmas.
“This is a corner of town just off the busy Oxford Road and is a place where the sense of community is strong. I have little doubt that will shine through, as it already is, in the difficult days, weeks and months to come. Everybody’s thoughts in Reading remain with those who have been affected the most, and with their families.
“Reading has again responded with warmth and generosity in the face of adversity, with offers of help from within the community affected and across the town. I thank everybody for their generosity and their support for our emergency service colleagues. "
Superintendent Steve Raffield from Thames Valley Police said:
“This has been an extremely distressing time for so many people, and our thoughts remain firmly with all those affected by this horrific incident, especially the families, friends and loved ones of those reported missing.
“Officers from our Major Crime Unit are carrying out an extensive investigation into this offence, which tragically has resulted in the death of one unidentified person, with two people reported as missing.
“As part of this investigation, a man has now been charged. He is Hakeem Kigundu, aged 31, formerly of Rowe Court, Reading. He has been charged with one count of murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.
“Our officers will be in the area while our investigation continues, with neighbourhood teams on patrol and available to answer any questions or concerns wherever they can.”
Paul Illman, Area Manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragic incident.
“Specialist teams have been assessing the structural damage to the building and their judgment is that we will be unable to safely enter without risking the safety of staff.
“A number of options have been explored to make the building structurally sound in a timely manner. Following an extensive assessment, the building has been confirmed as unsafe at this time, with a high risk of the walls collapsing due to fire damage. Structural scaffolding is being put in place to make the building safe and this is likely to take several weeks.
“On this basis, fire crews will be scaling back the resources on the scene at this time to enable work to take place to secure the structure. As soon as it is possible we will work closely with specialist teams from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Urban Search and Rescue Team and South Central Ambulance Service to resume the recovery efforts.
“I understand this will be a difficult time for all those affected by this incident and I would like to reassure you that we are working hard with partners to resolve this as quickly as possible.”