Second victim of fatal Tilehurst fire identified

The second person who died in a flat fire in Rowe Court on the east side of Tilehurst has been formally identified.

The two victims of the incident, which took place on December 15, were recovered from the building on Monday.

The first victim was formally identified by HM Coroner as Neil Morris, 45, on Tuesday.

The second victim has now been formally identified as Richard Burgess, 46.

Mr Burgess’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.

In a tribute, the family said: “Richard was a much-loved son, stepson and brother.

“He was a caring and thoughtful person, kind and not judgemental. He would often give money to homeless people, begging on the street. He was prepared to go without himself, even though he had very little money to spare.

“He enjoyed simple pleasures – a pint or two in the local with his friends, a game on the PlayStation with his brother, a ride out into the countryside on his bike.

“In fact, he was very interested in the environment and the natural world, exploring much of the South Chilterns, the New Forest and the Isle of Purbeck on his bike.

“He always took time to enjoy the landscape and countryside he was passing through. He relished being outdoors, which was reflected in his work as a gardener over the years.

“Richard just wanted to live in peace and quiet, getting on with his life undisturbed.

“Tragically, he was denied this in a cruel and horrific way.

“He has been taken from us far too soon and will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.”

The fatal fire was reported at a block of flats in Rowe Court at 2.56am on December 15.

Hakeem Kigundu, 31, formerly of Rowe Court, Reading, has been charged with one count of murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.