Assembly launches inquiry into fire safety of London's tall buildings

The fire safety of tall buildings in the capital is to be investigated following the fatal Camberwell blaze.

The London Assembly will look at tower blocks, timber-framed dwellings and buildings under construction that are vulnerable to fire.

Jenny Jones, chairwoman of its planning committee, said: "There are many regulations and policies around fire safety but we need to make sure they are robust and are being translated into measures that cut the risk of a fire and save lives."

The inquiry will report later this year.

The blaze at Lakanal House tower block in Camberwell last July killed six people, including three children, after it spread from the ninth floor.

Almost five per cent of inner London residents live in flats above the fifth floor. In Westminster and Tower Hamlets, that rises to nine per cent.

Population growth and the need for new homes is driving demand for more high-density housing.