EMERGENCY services have done all they can to find signs of life following a blaze in Reading.
Just before 3am this morning, police, fire and ambulance crews were called out to Rowe Court, off the Oxford Road, over multiple reports of a four-storey building on fire.
Police confirmed that one building resident has died, and there are numerous others unaccounted for.
Superintendent Steve Raffield, police area commander for Reading, said that emergency crews have done all they can to search for signs of life in the building.
“Sadly it is highly unlikely we will find any further survivors in the building,” he said. “The building itself is unstable and it will be a complex operation for our teams as we move through today.
“We expect this phase of the operation to continue into the evening and perhaps beyond.”
He called on anyone concerned for their loved ones to call 0800 051 6079 and make a report.
Doug Buchanan, assistant chief fire officer, from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said that there were 50 firefighters tackling the flames from stations across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, with an aerial ladder platform being used to reach all angles of the building.
He said his crews arrived within eight minutes and will remain at the scene into the evening.
One building resident was rescued with a ladder, and others were helped to safety by the emergency services.
He offered his thoughts and condolences to all those affected by the incident, and said the source ignition was yet to be confirmed.
Mark Ainsworth, director of operations at South Central Ambulance Service said that seven people were treated at the scene, and a further four were treated then sent on to hospital for further medical support — two of which had serious injuries.
“So far we have had a command structure in place, our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), two critical care doctors, BASICS and six ambulance crews have been assessing and treating a number of patients,” he explained.
This afternoon, Cllr Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council said that his thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the horrific fire.
He called on Reading residents to stay away from the area and emergency services continue to work at the scene into the evening.
He thanked all of the emergency services for their swift response to the fire, and said that council officers are setting up temporary accommodation for those affected.
“It goes without saying that we will continue to provide whatever support is necessary in the days and weeks to come, throughout the Christmas period and beyond,” he said.
“We will share contact details for members of the public who need help or support to call as soon as they become available.
“I know that there are also many in our community that want to offer their support too, and we will also communicate how this may be done appropriately as things develop.”
The fire is being treated as arson, and a 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and murder. He remains in custody.
