Bellway has said it is cooperating with the investigation looking into the cause of the fire which ravaged more than 20 flats in Barking, east London, over the weekend.

The housebuilder said the fire at Samuel Garside House was “a very serious issue and we are working with all parties to establish how this happened”.

Bellway said it was working with Barking and Dagenham council to secure alternative temporary accommodation for affected residents and “offering our support to help remediate the damaged apartments”.