Police have warned that Rowe Court could 'spontaneously collapse' after a major fire in the block of flats killed two people last year.

The force said that two people reported missing are likely to be those confirmed dead, but recovery of their bodies and their identification is still underway. 

A man accused of murder in connection with one death person the fire has not been charged with an additional count of murder, police have confirmed. 

These are the latest in a series of updates police have provided The Reading Chronicle in relation to the devastating fire on December 15, 2021. 

Reading Chronicle: Pictures taken after the fire in DecemberPictures taken after the fire in December

Here is what we have been told about the suspect, the alleged victims, the building which contained the flats, and more. 

What is the latest with the suspect?

Hakeem Kigundu, who used to live at the Rowe Court flats off Groveland Road before they went up in a blaze last month, was accused of murder and arson six days after one person was initially confirmed dead following the incident. 

Ten days after the 31-year-old was charged, Thames Valley Police confirmed the death of a second person from the fire. 

The Chronicle asked Thames Valley Police if Kigundu had been charged with a second count of murder, but a spokesperson said he had “not been charged with anything additional at this time.”

Kigundu is due to appear at Reading Crown Court for a hearing on February 11. 

Do we know much more about the victims?

Thames Valley Police has not yet confirmed if the two people who were reported missing in the hours after the fire broke out are the same people who have been confirmed dead. 

Reading Chronicle: Police in Rowe Court following a major fire in DecemberPolice in Rowe Court following a major fire in December

A spokesperson said they will not be able to do this until the recovery process is complete, which could take some time. 

They added: “However, we believe it is likely that these are the two people reported as missing.”

As a result of this, the force has not yet been able to release the names of the two people who are believed to have died in the fire, but will do so once the formal identification process is complete. 

Is there an update on the building?

At the end of December, TVP revealed the building containing the flats was starting to collapse inwards which resulted in some parts of the roof falling.

Today (January 20), Superintendent Steve Raffield, local policing area commander for Reading, said: “We expect this work to be ongoing every day, aside from bank holidays, into the spring months as it needs a careful approach.

He continued: “You may notice larger vehicles in the area as they’ll be used to take material away from the building site. 

“As the structure of the building is very delicate, we do not know if this activity will trigger a spontaneous collapse.

“If this does happen, please do not be alarmed. Contractors on site are equipped to deal with this and there will be no danger to the public.

“We would advise you close windows to minimise any impact of dust entering your home.

“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."

Help and support continues to be available from Reading Borough Council and their Contact Centre is available 24/7 please call 0118 937 3787 and stay on the line to be put through to emergency support, to help or signpost you to appropriate partner organisations

Victims First can also provide free emotional support and information. The office will be closed on certain days over the festive period – check opening hours at www.victims-first.org.uk

When the Victims First office is closed you can alternatively contact:

Mind information line - 0300 123 3393

The Samaritans (open 24/7) – 116 123