Thames Valley Police announce second arrest in Calcot fire investigation

A second arrest has been made in connection with a large residential fire that occurred in Calcot last week after a teenager was arrested on suspicion of arson.

Thames Valley Police announced today (Thursday) that a Reading woman has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

The fire, which occurred on Red Cottage Drive on the night of Thursday, July 28, severely damaged three properties and affected several others.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Stuart Streeter said: “We are continuing our investigation into this incident and have made another arrest in connection with this incident.

“We are still appealing for the public’s help in our investigation and are particularly keen to for anyone who may have dash-cam footage of the incident to please upload it to our online page.”

The arrested woman has been bailed until Wednesday, August 31.

The 17-year-old arrested on suspicion of arson has been released under investigation.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service brought the fire under control during the early hours of Friday and nobody was seriously injured, although a number of people were treated at the scene by South Central Ambulance Service.

On the night, residents in the area were evacuated to Calcot Infants School, which was set up as an emergency triage centre.

DS Streeter advised anyone with information about the incident to call 101 quoting reference number 43220335883, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they had information but didn’t want to talk to the police.