Residents demand independent inquiry into council’s role before fatal fire

Residents' association claims Tower Hamlets officials and councillors knew about overcrowding at Maddocks House

Pressure is growing for an independent investigation into the role of the London borough of Tower Hamlets before a fatal fire in an overcrowded flat as it was claimed 10 officials and councillors knew about problems.

The Tarling West estate residents' association published excerpts from correspondence from officials at the council dating back to last summer that appear to show they knew the two-bedroom flat in Maddocks House was overcrowded before fire broke out on 5 March, claiming the life of Mizanur Rahman.