Two people are still missing a week after a major fire broke out in a Reading block of flats.

The building in Rowe Court is at high risk of collapsing and must be made safe before search parties resume looking for the missing, according to police.

Structural scaffolding could take several weeks to be erected around the building.

“This has been an extremely distressing time for so many people, and our thoughts remain firmly with all those affected by this horrific incident, especially the families, friends and loved ones of those reported missing,” said Superintendent Steve Raffield of Thames Valley Police.

Read more: 'I jumped from the window of the burning block of flats'

The fire, which started at 3am on December 15, killed one person, injured 11 more and destroyed the homes of seven people.

Hakeem Kigundu, aged 31, formerly of Rowe Court, Reading, was charged with murder and arson appeared in Reading Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday).

The next of kin of those reported missing continue to be supported by specialist officers from Thames Valley Police.

Area Manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Paul Illman said: “Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragic incident.

Read more: Plea to help Reading woman whose home was destroyed by fire

“Specialist teams have been assessing the structural damage to the building and their judgment is that we will be unable to safely enter without risking the safety of staff.

He continued: “On this basis, fire crews will be scaling back the resources on the scene at this time to enable work to take place to secure the structure.

“As soon as it is possible we will work closely with specialist teams from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Urban Search and Rescue Team and South Central Ambulance Service to resume the recovery efforts.

“I understand this will be a difficult time for all those affected by this incident and I would like to reassure you that we are working hard with partners to resolve this as quickly as possible.”

Police will remain on the scene in the coming weeks.

Generous donations of support have come in from across the Reading community for residents displaced by the fire, and more can be made here.

Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council said: “The local community - indeed Reading as a whole - remains in shock at this horrific fire, which somehow feels even more distressing coming as it did just a few days before Christmas.

“This is a corner of town just off the busy Oxford Road and is a place where the sense of community is strong. I have little doubt that will shine through, as it already is, in the difficult days, weeks and months to come. Everybody’s thoughts in Reading remain with those who have been affected the most, and with their families.

“Reading has again responded with warmth and generosity in the face of adversity, with offers of help from within the community affected and across the town. I thank everybody for their generosity and their support for our emergency service colleagues.”