Problems with structural concrete were uncovered when cladding was removed from the two 18-storey towers in Somerstown following the Grenfell tragedy.

Detailed structural reports commissioned to decide what to replace the cladding with at Leamington House and Horatia House buildings revealed more deep-seated problems.

Structural engineers Wilde Carter Clack found the original 1965 concrete slab construction was extremely poor.

The surface of floor panels in some areas appeared to have been sprayed with water or rained on and the aggregate was exposed. In other places there was evidence of foot prints.

Condition of pre-cast concrete flooring panels beneath screed where voids revealed because of poor quality compaction and variable concrete thickness

It is estimated that it would cost around £86m to strengthen the two blocks and the work would take as much as five years.

The 800 residents in all 272 flats in the two blocks are in the process of being moved out.

The city council cabinet will meet next week to decide on the future of the towers and consider options for new housing.