Reading house fire: Woman dies and three critically ill

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Erleigh Road
Image caption,

The fire in Erleigh Road was reported shortly after 01:30 BST

A woman has died and three people are critically ill following a house fire that broke out in the early hours.

The large blaze, which is not being treated as suspicious, was reported in Erleigh Road, Reading, shortly after 01:30 BST, Thames Valley Police said.

A woman, in her 60s, died of her injuries, the force added.

Five other people - two adults and three children - were injured. Three are critically injured and are being treated in hospital.

Image caption,

Firefighters said they contained the blaze to a single property

The fire was contained to one house and no adjoining properties were affected, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

South Central Ambulance Service said it deployed eight ambulances, a hazard area response team and the air ambulance.

Supt Steve Raffield said: "There does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances to this fire, although we are conducting an investigation.

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

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