One person dead and man arrested on suspicion of arson and murder following blaze at Reading property
One person has died and several people are unaccounted for after a huge fire at a block of flats in Reading this morning (Wednesday).
Emergency services, including Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, are all on the scene in Rowe Court, Grovelands Road, on the east side of Tilehurst.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and murder and is being held in custody.
Fire services received reports of a blaze at a block of flats at 2.51am, and crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Theale, Whitley Wood, Wokingham, Bracknell, Ascot, Crowthorne, Slough, two pumps from Newbury and the Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Unit were sent to the scene, together with seven officers and crews from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire within a four storey block of flats, affecting all levels.
The incident is not being treated as terrorism related.
Grovelands Road is closed to traffic in both directions between Brisbane Road and A329 Oxford Road, and drivers are urged to avoid the area.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "Local agencies are working together at the scene of a large fire at a property in Grovelands Road, Reading.
"Our officers, as well as the fire and ambulance services, are at the site. Sadly, one person is believed to have died, and there are a number of others who are as yet unaccounted for.
"Officers have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of arson and murder and he is in custody at this time.
"The incident is not being treated as terrorism related.
"Road closures are in place, and people are asked to avoid the area at this time.
"If you have any concerns, for loved ones, please try and contact them in the first instance.
"A dedicated number is being set up for this, and details will follow very shortly."
This is a breaking story. Updates to follow.
