UNIVERSITY bosses responsible for refitting accommodation towers plan to fit a water misting system to add to fire safety precautions.

It has also emerged as part of plans to refurbish the towers, bosses considered - but decided against - using external cladding which has been the subject of an investigation in light of the Grenfell Tower fire, in west London.

Essex University has also made clear it does not operate a 'stay put' policy, which was implemented during the tragedy two weeks ago.

Julie Young, whose Essex County Council division takes in Essex University, had asked for clarification on fire safety on the campus in the wake of the incident, which officially killed 79 people.

In a response to Mrs Young (Lab), the university added: "A recent fire risk assessment of the towers did recommend fitting additional fire detection in bedroom corridors.

"This work is about to begin and will be completed by the end of the summer.

"We are reviewing all our current and new building projects where external cladding is used and are seeking assurances in relation to fire risk.

"We will be communicating with our staff and student communities in the coming days to ensure they are assured of our commitment to safety and to ensure they are reminded of the importance of adhering to our evacuation policies and that those living off-campus have the latest fire safety guidance."

The towers will be upgraded over the next seven years. The first block will be completed during the 2019/19 academic year.