Councillors want tower fire inquiry

Politicians have demanded an independent public inquiry into the Camberwell tower block blaze which killed six residents.

Southwark councillors passed an emergency motion calling for an investigation to be held so "lessons could be learned".

Dayana Francisquini, 26, and her children Thais, six, and Filipe, three, died when they were trapped in Lakanal House as fire spread last Friday. Helen Udoaka, 34, her three-week-old daughter Michelle, and 31-year-old Catherine Hickman also died.

Councillor Ian Wingfield said: "If residents are to be fully confident that we have asked the right questions and have drawn the right lessons from this then we must have a full inquiry."

Concerns were raised about the design of the building and implications for similar structures after residents were reportedly told not to leave their homes in the fire.

Labour councillor Peter John said: "The fire service didn't really know how to respond. Residents right across the country will need some reassurance."