Banned building materials suspected in London fire

LONDON -- The new exterior cladding used in a renovation on London's Grenfell Tower may have been banned under U.K. building regulations, two British ministers said Sunday as police continued their investigation into the inferno that killed at least 58 people.

Trade Minister Greg Hands said the government is carrying out an "urgent inspection" of the roughly 2,500 similar tower blocks across Britain to assess their safety.

Experts believe the exterior cladding, which contained insulation, helped spread the flames quickly up the outside of the public-housing tower early Wednesday. Some said they never had seen a building fire advance so quickly. The 24-story tower that once housed up to 600 people in 120 apartments now is a charred ruin.

Hands and Treasury chief Philip Hammond said in separate TV appearances the cladding used on Grenfell seems to be prohibited by British regulations. Hands cautioned officials don't have exact details about the renovation that ended just last year.

"My understanding is that the cladding that was reported wasn't in accordance with U.K. building regulations," Hands told Sky News. "We need to find out precisely what cladding was used and how it was attached."

Labour Party lawmaker David Lammy demanded the government and police immediately seize all documents relating to Grenfell's renovation to prevent the destruction of evidence.

"The prime minister needs to act immediately to ensure that all evidence is protected so that everyone culpable for what happened at Grenfell Tower is held to account and feels the full force of the law," Lammy said.

He said all records -- including emails, minutes of meetings, correspondence with contractors, safety assessments, specifications and reports -- must be kept intact.