Two bodies recovered from major fire in Tilehurst flats

It has been more than six weeks since a major fire broke out at Rowe Court in West Reading late last year.

The tragic incident was reported at a block of flats on the east side of Tilehurst at 2.56am on December 15.

The bodies of two people who died in the fire have today (Monday) been recovered and sent for post-mortem investigations.

Since the fire broke at the property in Rowe Court, work has been ongoing to make the site safe so that the bodies could be “carefully” recovered.

In an update issued today (January 31) Thames Valley Police said that “after a complex recovery process”, the two bodies have now been “carefully removed” from the building and taken to hospital.

Post mortem examinations for both people are anticipated to take place this week, as well as formal identification.

Their families are being supported through this process.

Area manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Jim Powell said: “On behalf of everyone at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to extend my thoughts to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident.

“I know this is an extremely difficult time for those directly affected and people living nearby the incident scene.

“A full fire investigation to determine the cause of the fire is now under way and we will continue to work with partners to resolve this incident as swiftly and as safely as possible.”

At this time, the site remains part of a crime scene, due to an ongoing investigation from the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit.

Work to safely dismantle the building will also continue.

Therefore, police officers and contractors will remain at the site over the coming weeks.

Local area policing commander for Reading Superintendent Steve Raffield said: “I know that today has been a very difficult and emotional day for a lot of people connected to this incident, especially for the families of the deceased.

“I am pleased that following such a long and complex recovery process that we have been able to safely remove those who were inside, and I hope that this is some comfort to their families.”

He added: “Our officers will remain at the scene while our investigation into the fire continues, as well as the process of dismantling the building.

“Anyone with any questions or concerns should feel free to approach our officers and speak to them.

“I’d also like to thank all those living nearby for their continued support and patience.”

Assistant director of operations at South Central Ambulance Service Paul Jefferies said “This has undoubtedly has been an extremely upsetting and difficult time for everyone affected.

“I would like to send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who passed away in this devastating incident on behalf of those at South Central Ambulance Service”.

Reading Borough Council leader Jason Brock thanked Reading’s emergency services and said: “The thoughts of everybody in Reading are firmly with the families of those people whose bodies were recovered by our emergency service colleagues earlier today.

“We once again thank Reading’s emergency services for the dignified recovery in what must have been very distressing circumstances.”

He said that the impact on the families who lost loved ones is “as real today as it was on December 15”.

The council will continue to work with partners, in particular the property management company and its insurers, to support residents who have been displaced by the fire in both their short-term and long-term needs.

To make a financial donation to those affected visit https://www.reading.gov.uk/rowecourt

Help and support continues to be available from Reading Borough Council and its contact centre is available 24/7.

To be put through to emergency support, get help or be signposted to the appropriate partner organisations call (0118) 937 3787.

Victims First can also provide free emotional support and information. More information can be found at www.victims-first.org.uk

When the Victims First office is closed, alternative points of contact can be found.

For the Mind information line call 0300 123 3393 and for the Samaritans, who are open 24/7, call 116 123