Rescuers are 'highly unlikely' to find more survivors in the aftermath of a fire that ripped through a Reading block of flats, police said.

One person died and a murder investigation was launched after the fire broke out in Rowe Court at 3am.

Flames crackling like “glass bottles smashing” injured at least 11 more people and multiple flat residents are “unaccounted for.”

Superintendent Steve Raffield said: “We’ve been working alongside our partner agencies to do everything we can to find signs of life. Sadly, it is highly unlikely we will find any further survivors in the building.”

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Dozens of emergency service vehicles rushed to the scene, with ambulances taking four people to hospital while firefighters tackled the blaze into the morning.

“We could hear people shouting,” said a resident of nearby Osborne Road who did not want to be name.

"There was a lady stuck in there waving a white hanky out the window,” she said.

Her neighbour added that she first thought the fire was someone smashing bottles on the ground.

Read more: Murder investigation launched after Grovelands Road fire 'claims one life'

Police have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of arson and murder.

The building is ‘unstable’ according to Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

They are expected to remain at the scene to ensure its safety, with a police cordon closing off the adjacent Grovelands Road.

Reading Borough Council leader Jason Brock said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody who has been affected by this horrific fire.”

The council are setting up temporary respite accommodation for those affected.

Police said the incident is not being treated as terrorism related.

 

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