ONE person had died after a large fire ripped through the building of Rowe Court.
Shocking pictures and video have shown a huge blaze ripping through the building in the early hours of Wednesday morning (December 15) in Grovelands Road.
Some residents are reported to still be "unaccounted for" as emergency services continue their search and rescue operation into the night.
Superintendent Steve Raffield, local policing area commander for Reading said that officers will “exhaust all our efforts to find signs of life” as they search for victims at the scene of the fire in Reading.
READ MORE: Reading flat fire video shows residents watching on in horror
A statement issued by the force said: “We are working with our colleagues on a search and rescue operation and will exhaust all our efforts to find signs of life. We expect this phase of the operation to continue today and into the evening and perhaps beyond."
Sadly, however, the force said it was “highly unlikely” that any further survivors would be found at Rowe Court.
How many people have died?
The death toll remains unknown at this stage as the police and fire service continue their investigations.
So far, one person has been pronounced dead. Four people have been treated in hospital following a fire in Reading, the ambulance service has confirmed.
Mark Ainsworth, operations director at South Central ambulance service, speaking at the scene, said: “Sadly, we have confirmed one person has died and a number of others are missing.
READ MORE: Reading man describes jumping from burning Rowe Court flats
“In addition, we have treated four patients in hospital and seven patients were treated at the scene of the incident.”
What's happened to the man who was arrested?
Police say a 31-year-old man from Reading remains in custody at this time. The person has been arrested on suspicion of murder and arson.
Police ordinarily have 24 hours to either charge an individual or release them. They can apply to the courts for an extension. It is likely we will get an update in the next 12 hours.
What's happened to residents who live in the flats?
Residents who have been displaced by the fire are being put up in emergency accommodation.
Reading Borough Council said residents affected by the fire in Reading are to be provided “temporary respite accommodation" too.
What services have been set up for those affected?
Thames Valley Police has created a dedicated portal for loved ones to get in touch if they are concerned about those living in Rowe Court.
A special helpline has also been set up for anyone needing to report anyone as missing or who has any information to report relating to this incident.
You can do so by visiting https://mipp.police.uk/operation/NATIONAL21Y05-PO1 or by calling from the UK on 0800 051 6079 or for calls outside the UK, contact 020 7126 7641.
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