A MAN has been charged arson with intent to endanger life following a flat fire in east Reading.

Jack Hollingsworth, 21, from Reading appeared before Reading Magistrates' Court on Thursday, April 21.

The blaze broke out at around 1.45pm in a block of flats in Avon Place and saw around 30 neighbours living in the building evacuate due to smoke.

No one was injured but the second floor bedroom where the fire originated was completely destroyed.

Three fire crews descended on the home and doused the flames using hose reels and breathing apparatus.

Watch manager Darren Barrett, of Wokingham Road station, said: "On arrival smoke was issuing from the second floor float and two firefighters in breathing apparatus were committed.

"There was a hundred per cent fire damage in the bedroom and a hundred per cent smoke damage to the rest of the flat.

"A lot of residents were already out due to the amount of smoke before we arrived.

"We did house to house enquiries to make sure they was not other damage on injuries."

Hollingsworth will appear before Reading Crown Court on May 23.