The bodies of two people who died in a fire that ripped through a Reading block of flats in December were recovered on Monday (January 31).

Police named one of them, Neil Morris, 45, yesterday (February 1), a “dearly loved son, brother, brother in law, uncle and friend” according to a tribute released by his family.

It took a total of 47 days after the fire, which injured 11 people, to remove the bodies from the scene.

Why did recovery take so long?

At it’s height the blaze took fifty firefighters to tackle as it spread through the four story building, leaving seven people without homes.

Read more: Reading bus 'drives off' after hitting parked Mercedes with boy, 2, inside

Parts of the roof caved in and charred support beams were revealed.

The structure was left very fragile and police could not be certain whether their activity would trigger a ‘spontaneous collapse.’ They posted contractors on site to deal with such an event and advised residents that they should close their windows to protect themselves from dust.

“I know that this remains a very distressing and difficult time for so many people, and my thoughts and sympathies remain with all those who are affected,” said Superintendent Steve Raffield earlier this month, as crews worked to make the building safe.

Read more: Beer, Bulbs and Biscuits: 11 signs you REALLY know you're from Reading

It was not until Monday (January 31) that the bodies could safely be recovered.

The coroner has not yet formally identified the second person who died.

Next week, February 11, Hakeem Kigundu, 31, a former Rowe Court resident, will appear in Reading Crown Court charged with murder and arson in connection with the fire.