Emergency services continue investigation into fatal Tilehurst fire
The police and fire and rescue services are working together, with the council, to investigate the major fire that broke out in Tilehurst on December 15.
The fire which, began shortly before 3am, led to the death of one person as well as two people still reported as missing.
The fire and rescue service is now having to "scale back" its investigation to allow for structural works on the "high risk" building.
Police officers will continue to protect the scene over this period.
On December 17 (Friday) a man was charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
He was remanded in custody and appeared at Reading Crown Court on December 21 (Tuesday).
Thames Valley Police local area commander for Reading Superintendent Steve Raffield said that thoughts “remain firmly” with those who have been affected.
He said: “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.”
He 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.”
The fire and rescue service is scaling back its resources following an extensive assessment by specialist structural engineers who confirmed that there is significant structural damage and a ‘high risk’ of the building walls collapsing.
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.
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.
Area manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Paul Illman 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.”
He added: “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."
Reading Borough Council is working with organisations across Reading to ensure donations and help reaches those affected.
