Tower checks follow fire deaths

Three women and three children died in the fire at Lakanal House

Fire safety procedures are being reviewed at all council tower blocks in Brighton and Hove following a fatal fire in south London.

The city council is working with East Sussex Fire and Rescue to explain to tenants and landlords how they can best protect themselves if a fire starts.

Communal fire doors, escape routes and signs are being inspected to ensure they comply with safety standards.

Six people lost their lives at Lakanal House in Camberwell on Friday 3 July.

The council said it would be setting up a working group to ensure that any emerging conclusions could be shared quickly with fire and rescue authorities, tenants and leaseholders to further improve existing fire safety measures.

Cabinet member for housing, Maria Caulfield, said: "We want to ensure there is no delay in learning any necessary lessons from the tragedy in Camberwell.

"The council and the fire authority will work with residents associations to remind tenants and leaseholders on how to protect themselves from fire.

"This includes residents having their own working smoke alarm and ensuring that they have it regularly tested."