Well-known and respected grandmother dies in 'tragic' house fire where 10 were sleeping in Reading

A "well-known and respected" grandmother has died in a house fire in Reading, the family has confirmed.

Emergency services were called to a property on Erleigh Road, Reading in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday 5 April) to reports of a serious fire.

Ten people are thought to have been asleep in the property at the time the fire started, with many requiring hospital treatment.

The woman's daughter, who is herself the mother of several children at the property, is understood to be in critical condition as a result of the blaze.

In a statement on behalf of the family, issued by her son, they said: "We are requesting prayers for the family.

"This was a deeply tragic accident that happened in the holy month.

"She was very well known and respected across our community. She educated hundreds of people in the town."

A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Very sadly, following a fire at a residential property in Erleigh Road, Reading, this morning, a female has died of her injuries.

"We responded, alongside Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service to reports of a large house fire at just after 1.30am this morning.

"The fire has now been extinguished, but tragically, one person, a woman aged in her sixties, has died in the fire and five others have been injured."

Superintendent Steve Raffield, the Local Policing Area Commander for Reading, said: “Tragically, as a result of this fire, a woman has died of her injuries.

“Five other people, two adults and three children, have been injured and are being treated in hospital, and three are currently in a critical condition.

“The fire was extinguished by Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service and no adjoining properties were affected.

“There does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances to this fire, although we are conducting an investigation alongside Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service on behalf of the Berkshire Coroner. Our officers will remain at the scene for some time to come.

“This incident is an absolute tragedy, and first and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who has died.

“They are being offered support by officers at this extremely difficult time.”