17-year-old arrested after major fire in Calcot destroys homes
A MAJOR fire broke out at homes in a Calcot street, causing police to evacuate residents.
Just before 11.50pm on Thursday, July 28, police were alerted to the fire, and fire crews were called to Red Cottage Drive, off Charrington Road.
Thames Valley Police arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with the fire on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
He has been released under investigation.
There were no serious injuries and residents were moved to Calcot Infant School where a triage centre had been set up, although a number of people were treated at the scene by South Central Ambulance Service.
Residents arriving at the triage centre, were asked to identify their home address, what property they are from, whether their vehicle remains on Red Cottage Drive, if any medication if required, and if any pets were left at the home address.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said that three houses have been destroyed by the fire.
Red Cottage Drive was completely closed until that afternoon, with fire crews working at the scene for more than five and a half hours.
Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West, tweeted: “Thoughts with all those affected by the fire in Red Cottage Drive in Calcot.
“Thanks to the emergency services for all their hard work in dealing with the fire and supporting local residents.”
Chief Inspector Emily Evans, the deputy LPA commander for
West Berkshire, said: “This was initially declared as a Major Incident, but thankfully, due to the swift actions of Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service, South Central Ambulance Service and Thames Valley Police, nobody suffered serious injuries.
“Sadly, a number of residents have been displaced and several properties have suffered damage, some of which is very significant.
“We have arrested a 17-yearold boy in connection with this incident while our investigation continues.
“I am appealing to anybody who was in the area last night and witnessed what happened to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police either by making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220335883.
“If you do not wish to speak directly to police, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“Naturally, this incident has had a significant impact in the local community with a number of residents affected.”
She said that the community are being supported and work is ongoing to ensure those whose homes are badly damaged are relocated.
“There will be a considerable presence of police officers and investigators at the scene for some time as this investigation continues.
“The exact cause of this fire is still under investigation, and we are in the very early stages of this, and would urge the local community not to speculate, but contact police if you have any information that can assist.
“I’d be particularly keen to hear from anybody who may have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from around the time of the incident last night to please contact us and provide this to us.
“It is testament to the professionalism of our officers and colleagues in the fire and ambulance services that this incident was brought under control quickly and no-one was seriously hurt.
“I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding in supporting the evacuation while we dealt with what was a very serious incident.”