Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency services are at Grovelands Road, with a road closure in place since around 3.20am. According to reports, several homes were destroyed overnight by a fire at a block of low rise flats at Rowe Court in west Reading.

       A FIRE has burnt down a block of flats after a “major incident” overnight, killing at least one person.

       At 8:02am, Thames Valley Police said they believed one person had died as a result of the fire.

       They said: “Local agencies are working together at the scene of a large fire at a property in Grovelands Road, Reading.

       “Our officers, as well as the fire and ambulance services, are at the site.

       “Sadly, one person is believed to have died, and a number of others are unaccounted for.”

       They continued: “Officers have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of arson and murder and he is in custody at this time.

       “The incident is not being treated as terrorism related.

       “Road closures are in place, and people are asked to avoid the area at this time.

       “If you have any concerns, for loved ones, please try and contact them in the first instance.

       “A dedicated number is being set up for this, and details will follow very shortly.”

       Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have been using their aerial ladder platform to fight the fire, which is still ongoing as of writing.

       They said on Twitter: “We are still at the scene of a significant incident in the Grovelands Road area of Reading.

       “A number of fire appliances are attending and roads in the area are congested.”

       They also added in a statement: “A number of fire appliances are attending and roads in the area are congested."

       A South Central Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We are currently attending a major incident in Grovelands Road, Reading with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police. Please avoid the area."

       Reading Buses has said some services are being diverted as a result of the incident.

       Inrix, the traffic data company, said: "Grovelands Road closed due to building fire at a house between Brisbane Road and A329 Oxford Road.

       "Since early this morning. Diversion - for buses 15, 15a and 88."

       MORE TO FOLLOW