The government has launched an examination into a Hotpoint fridge-freezer involved in the Grenfell Tower fire.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hotpoint are asking customers who have the above fridge freezer models to call their cutomers hotline on 0800 3163826.Hotpoint are asking customers who have the above fridge freezer models to call their cutomers hotline on 0800 3163826. (Image: Archant)

The Grenfell Tower fire started in a faulty fridge and insulation and tiles on the block have failed safety tests, Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Fiona McCormack has said.

Metropolitan Detective Superintendent Fiona McCormack also said the Hotpoint FF175BP model ‘had not been subject to any product recall’.

Ms McCormack said the tests carried out as part of the investigation were “small scale”, but added: “All I can say at the moment is they (tiles and insulation) don’t pass any safety tests.

“What we are being told at the moment by the Building Research Establishment is that the cladding and insulation failed all safety tests.”

She added: “Our investigation is to establish how the fire started.”

The Government has ordered an immediate examination by experts of the model of Hotpoint fridge freezer involved in the Grenfell Tower fire, Downing Street said.

Seventy-nine people died or are missing, presumed dead, following the devastating fire at the Grenfell Tower in London which destroyed 151 homes in the Kensington tower block on June 18.

A Hotpoint spokesman said: “Words cannot express our sorrow at this terrible tragedy. We offer our most profound condolences to the victims, those who have lost loved-ones, homes, and possessions, and to their friends and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved, including the emergency services who risked their lives to extinguish the blaze and rescue those in the building.

“We have just been informed that the fire may have originated in a Hotpoint fridge freezer (model number FF175BP).

“We are working with the authorities to obtain access to the appliance so that we can assist with the ongoing investigations. Under these circumstances, we are unable to speculate on further details at this time. We are addressing this as a matter of utmost urgency and assisting the authorities in any way we can. We will provide additional updates as our investigations progress.”

If you own a Hotpoint fridge freezer model number FF175BP or FF175BG call The Hotpoint freephone hotline on 0800 316 3826, or visit hotpointservice.co.uk/fridgefreezer and register details for further information.