Grenfell Tower blaze was sparked by fridge freezer

The Grenfell Tower fire started in a fridge freezer - and both the insulation and tiles used in cladding on the block failed safety tests, police have said.

Detectives are also considering bringing manslaughter charges, along with health and safety and fire safety charges, as they continue their investigation into who was responsible for the west London blaze.

Detective Superintendent Fiona McCormack said the Hotpoint FF175BP model had not been subject to any product recall but further tests are being carried out.

The government has ordered an immediate technical examination of the fridge involved, while Hotpoint said "words cannot express our sorrow at this terrible tragedy".

More than 60,000 of the fridge freezers were sold between 2006 and 2009.

A national operation is separately under way to identify buildings with cladding like that used on the Grenfell Tower.

Some 600 blocks are due to be tested to see if they pose a fire risk.

So far the Government has received samples from 14 blocks in nine local authority areas where cladding has failed safety tests.

Inside one of the flats ravaged by the fire.

The number of people who died in the Grenfell fire - including those classed as missing presumed dead - remains at 79, police said.

Of those, only nine have been formally identified.

Detective McCormack said it may take until the end of the year to complete.

(From left to right) Mohammad al-Haj Ali, Khadija Saye, Anthony Disson and Khadija Khalloufi have been confirmed dead in the fire. Credit: Met Police

She added: "There is a terrible reality that we may not find all those who died during the fire.

"I fear that there are more (victims) - I do not know who they are at the moment and that is why I'm really pleading with the public to call us.

"We will do everything we can with the utmost sensitivity and dignity.

"We want to provide the best possible answers for all those who have been affected by the tragedy."

Hotpoint has confirmed it is working with the authorities after the fire originated in one of its models. Credit: PA

Hotpoint's statement said: "We offer our most profound condolences to the victims, those who have lost loved-ones, homes, and possessions, and to their friends and families."

The company added it is working with authorities to obtain access to the appliance so they can assist with ongoing investigations.

Consumers who think they may have a Hotpoint fridge freezer model FF175BP or FF175BG should call the free hotline on 0800 316 3826 or visit hotpointservice.co.uk/fridgefreezer.

Anyone with information on those suspected missing in the fire should call police free on 0800 032 4539