Man arrested on suspicion of murder after one person dies in Reading fire
Several people are still unaccounted for after the blaze in Rowe Court
Last updated 15th Dec 2021
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and arson after a major fire in Reading overnight.
One person has been confirmed dead and several are still unaccounted for after flames broke out at a block of flats on Rowe Court, which is off Grovelands Road.
A 31-year-old man has been remains in custody.
People are being urged to avoid the area. Thames Valley Police says the incident is not being treated as terror related.
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at around 3am.
Crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Theale, Whitley Wood, Wokingham, Bracknell, Ascot, Crowthorne, Slough were sent to the scene.
Two pumps from Newbury and the Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Unit were also there, together with seven officers and crews from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service.
It's thought upwards of 50 firefighters were there at the peak of the fire.
Reading Borough Council has confirmed it is offering support to the victims.
This afternoon Police allowed the media to move closer to the scene of the fire
If you have concerns about your loved ones, you can contact a dedicated Casualty Bureau online at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/NATIONAL21Y05-PO1 or call 0800 051 6079, or if you're calling from outside the UK 020 7126 7641.