The Worcester Park fire demonstrates the need for sprinklers in all residential buildings and a review of "combustible" materials, an expert on fire safety has said.

It took some 125 firefighters to bring the blaze under control, which almost entirely destroyed the timber-framed Hamptons development.

Jane Duncan, chair of the Royal Institute of British Architect's expert advisory group on fire safety, suggested Government regulations imposed in the aftermath of the Grenfell strategy, such as a ban on timber and mandatory installation of sprinklers, should be extended to cover smaller developments such as the Hamptons.

Jane Duncan said: “It is very sad to see another terrible fire occur.

"I am relieved to hear there has been no loss of life, but the loss of all personal possessions is awful for those involved and my thoughts are with them.

"While we have welcomed the government’s ban on combustible materials for residential buildings over 18m, this four storey building fire demonstrates that the application of this regulation may need to be extended.

“The RIBA has consistently argued for sprinklers to be a requirement in all new and converted residential buildings, and to be retrofitted in existing residential buildings above 18m when they are being refurbished.

"This fire demonstrates the need for sprinklers in residential buildings, and fire warning systems in individual flats, not just in communal parts.

"However, while important, sprinklers should not be used to compensate for other crucial fire safety measures.”

The fire is the second this year to strike a building involving a timber structure.

In June, a 20-flat building in Barking was destroyed by fire, with experts later concluding that its timber balconies posed a "significant hazard."

Two people were treated for smoke inhalation and up to 18 families were evacuated from their homes.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the Worcester Park fire.

The developer behind the Hamptons, Berkley Group, said: “We continue to support the LFB in their investigation into what happened.

"In the meantime, our priority remains to make sure residents are properly looked after.”