Tower’s fire doors lasted just 15 mins

FIRE doors at Grenfell Tower have failed a crucial safety test which found they could hold back flames for just half of the 30-minute minimum required by law.

Experts have tested an undamaged door from the tower block and three glazed fire doors made by the same company, which were all found to offer less protection than recommended.

The Metropolitan Police announced the findings as part of its investigation into the deadly blaze in west London last June, but refused to comment on whether it would have an impact on its criminal investigation into the tragedy.

Since the Grenfell fire, 301 buildings with a similar type of cladding that was blamed for the fast spread of flames have been identified, but remedial work has been carried out on just seven.

Survivor Natasha Elcock said the results were ‘shocking’, and added: ‘First the cladding, then the doors. Who knows what else is putting people’s lives at risk?’

Housing Secretary Sajid Javid said further tests would be carried out, but insisted the risk to public safety in buildings with the same doors was low.