The makers of the fridge-freezer suspected of causing the Grenfell Tower fire have been accused of a “desperate” attempt to save face by suggesting a cigarette may have started the inferno.

A closing statement to the public inquiry from Whirlpool Corporation, the owner of the Hotpoint brand, is said to argue that its appliance may not have been responsible.

Instead, it reportedly speculates whether the blaze may have begun "by someone throwing something - perhaps a burning cigarette - into the kitchen through the open window".

An expert previously concluded that the fire, which led to 72 deaths, probably started in the Hotpoint FF175BP in the kitchen of Flat 16 on the block’s fourth floor.

Rajiv Menon QC, who represents the tenant of Flat 16, revealed details of Whirlpool’s statement - allegedly circulated among lawyers - in his own closing address to the inquiry on Tuesday.

He called for Sir Martin Moore-Bick to “unequivocally” clear Behailu Kebede, 45, of any responsibility for the tragedy.