Victims of a fire which ripped through nine houses in Calcot have been unable to return home.

They were evacuated when a blaze engulfed Red Cottage Drive just before midnight on Thursday, and some remain in temporary accommodation.

A triage centre was set up in Calcot Infant School which was quickly ‘overwhelmed’ with donations, according to West Berkshire Council.

A spokesperson for Onehousing, which own the properties, said: “Our team has been working to support customers with temporary accommodation and financial support for those who have been unable to return to their home.

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“For those neighbouring residents who have been allowed back into their homes, we are assessing any repairs required.

“Our thoughts are with the residents who have been affected by this and thank the work of the emergency services and the local council.

“Our focus remains on supporting our customers at this difficult time.”

At least three homes were severely damaged in the fire and nobody was seriously injured, although a number of people were treated at the scene by South Central Ambulance Service.

Police arrested a 17-year-old boy from Calcot on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and has since released him under investigation.

Essentials items such as clothes and toiletries were brought to the triage centre in numbers.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the donations received from the local community to support those affected by the fire in Calcot,” said a spokesperson for West Berkshire Council.

“We’ve now received everything we need so the donation point at the Calcot Centre is now closed. Thank you so much to everyone who helped.”

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A Gofundme campaign for the victims has received £777 in donations and a Facebook campaign has received £145.

West Berkshire Council said: “Our thoughts are with the residents who have been affected by this and particularly those whose homes have been lost or damaged in the fire.

“We would also like to acknowledge the partners we work alongside, including Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Calcot Infants School and One Housing, for working quickly to respond to the fire and support the local community.”