SCAFFOLDING is being placed around a burned out building in Reading, following a fire last week.
A block of four-storey flats in Rowe Court were burned in the early hours of Wednesday, 15 December, after a suspected arson attack.
Specialist structural engineers have confirmed that there is significant structural damage to the building with a high risk of walls collapsing.
They are installing structural scaffolding around the building to make it as safe as possible, and this is expected to take several weeks.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Once the building has been made safe, emergency services will resume their work with priority being given to confirm whether two people reported missing are in the building and if so, recover them respectfully and with dignity.”
Police officers will continue to protect the scene throughout this period.
Paul Illman, area manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said that a number of options have been explored to make the building structurally sound in a timely manner.
He said: “Fire crews will be scaling back the resources on the scene 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.”
Mr Illman said that his team is working to complete this as quickly as possible, and said that his thoughts remain with all those affected by the tragic incident.
Superintendent Steve Raffield Thames Valley Police local area commander echoed Mr Illman’s sentiments, and said that officers from the Major Crime Unit are carrying out an extensive investigation.
He added: “As part of this investigation, a man has now been charged. He is Hakeem Kigundu, 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.”
Kigundu appeared at Reading Crown Court yesterday.
Superintendent Raffield added: “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.”
During the past week, financial donations have come in from across the Reading community for residents displaced by the fire.
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.”
The council leader thanked everyone who has supported those affected.
Anyone wishing to donate can visit: www.reading.gov.uk/rowecourt
The council will ensure the donations reach the displaced residents at the appropriate time.
Reading Borough Council is continuing to support the community. Its contact centre is available 24/7 on 0118 937 3787.
