Occupants of the block of flats in east London which saw a catastrophic fire at the weekend claim that they had spoken out about safety issues a month before.

The six-floor structure in Barking was badly damaged as the conflagration spread across the wooden balconies that were a feature of the development.

The chair of the local resident's association claims that he raised concerns with the builder, Bellway Homes, but was told there was nothing to worry about. A BBC Watchdog programme had highlighted fire safety shortcomings at two other Bellway residential blocks.

It appeared to observers of the fire that the wooden cladding around the balconies fuelled the blaze. It is suspected that a barbecue may have been lit on a balcony.

Despite extensive damage, no injuries were reported.

Original source
The Guardian