A MAN has appeared in court charged with murder and arson after a fire left a person dead in Reading.

Hakeem Kigundu, 31, is accused of starting the large fire which ripped through the building in Rowe Court, Grovelands Road, at around 3am on Wednesday, December 15.

One person has been confirmed dead following the blaze and two people are still missing, while four were treated in hospital following the incident.

READ MORE: Reading fire: Man charged with arson and murder

Reading Magistrates’ Court heard that the identity of the victim is still unknown.

Kigundu appeared in court wearing grey overalls. He spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

Magistrate Tina Heaford sent the matter to the crown court as it was too serious to be dealt with by magistrates.

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The accused remains in custody and will appear at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, December 21

Kigundu, of Rowe Court, is charged with one count of murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.