A teenager arrested after a major fire broke out in Calcot has been released. 

Police arrested the 17-year-old boy from Calcot on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

However, a TVP spokesperson said the suspect has now been released under police investigation, and the force is still appealing for witnesses.

What happened?

Police were called just before 11.50pm to a large fire affecting multiple houses in Red Cottage Drive, Calcot, on Thursday, July 28. 

On arrival, emergency services from Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service were on scene tackling the fire, which has left three properties severely damaged and has also affected other properties.

Residents in the area were evacuated to Calcot Infants School, which was set up as an emergency triage centre.

The fire was brought under control and extinguished in the early hours of the morning and nobody was seriously injured, although a number of people were treated at the scene by South Central Ambulance Service.

Chief Inspector Emily Evans, the Deputy LPA commander for West Berkshire, said: “This was initially declared as a Major Incident, but thankfully, due to the swift actions of Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service, South Central Ambulance Service and Thames Valley Police, nobody suffered serious injuries.

“However, sadly, a number of residents have been displaced and several properties have suffered damage, some of which is very significant.

“I am appealing to anybody who was in the area last night and witnessed what happened to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police either by making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220335883.

“If you do not wish to speak directly to police, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“Naturally, this incident has had a significant impact in the local community with a number of residents affected.

“They are being supported and work is ongoing to ensure those whose homes are badly damaged are relocated.

“There will be a considerable presence of police officers and investigators at the scene for some time as this investigation continues.

“The exact cause of this fire is still under investigation, and we are in the very early stages of this, and would urge the local community not to speculate, but contact police if you have any information that can assist.

“I’d be particularly keen to hear from anybody who may have CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage from around the time of the incident last night to please contact us and provide this to us.

“It is testament to the professionalism of our officers and colleagues in the fire and ambulance services that this incident was brought under control quickly and no-one was seriously hurt.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding in supporting the evacuation while we dealt with what was a very serious incident.”