HAMPSHIRE fire chief Dave Curry is calling for sprinklers to be installed in all high-rise buildings.

Mr Curry, chief officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, was due to speak to the media about the issue today at fire service headquarters in Eastleigh.

His appeal comes following last week’s tragic event at Grenfell Tower and the 2010 fire at Shirley Towers in Southampton, in which two Hampshire firefighters, Alan Bannon and Jim Shears, lost their lives.

The coroner’s recommendation at that time was that retrofitting of sprinklers be considered for all high-rise buildings.

Yesterday at 11am fire crews across Hampshire stood for the minute’s silence to remember the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster. The death toll yesterday rose to 79.

It was close to home for the station as St Mary’s was the base of firefighters Bannon and Shears.

Meanwhile in Winchester civic chiefs have reassured tenants about the safety of the four large blocks of flats in Winnall.

The city council owns four seven-storey blocks on Winnall Manor Road, Braddock, Craddock, Dennett and Earle houses.

Richard Botham, chief housing officer, said: “Whilst the city council does not own or manage any high rise towers, it is understandable that residents in communal blocks such as those at Winnall are seeking reassurance regarding the safety of the flats they live in.”

“The flats at Winnall are seven-story “mid-rise” flats and have no external thermal panels. The city council reviewed its fire safety policy in November 2016. All residents at the Winnall mid-rise flats received a leaflet updating advice on safety and what to do in the event of a fire at that time.

“Detailed fire risk assessments of each block were completed in December 2016 and all recommendations have been acted on.

"The council will be re-issuing the advice leaflet to all residents at Winnall flats this week and offering a contact for anyone who wants further advice regarding fire safety.”

Cllr Caroline Horrill, leader of the council and portfolio holder for housing, said: “Our thoughts are with all those involved in the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower.

"It's too early to speculate on the circumstances around the incident and no doubt a full investigation will be carried out by the appropriate authorities in due course.

“The city council has completed significant fire safety-related works at Winnall as a result of advice arising from the investigation following the incident at Shirley Towers in Southampton.

"However, I will be ensuring that any new advice arising from the investigation of this latest incident is properly considered and acted upon swiftly.”