The builders of the apartment complex in Berkeley where six Irish students died have criticised the initial investigation into the incident.

Five Irish J1 students and an Irish American student were killed, while 7 others were injured, when a balcony collapsed last month.

According to The Irish Times, Segue Construction - the company which built the block - wants to be allowed to participate in the District Attorney's dual criminal and civil investigation.

An initial inquiry by the City of Berkeley found that dry rot was the cause of the collapse.

However, Segue claims investigators caused irreversible damage to a separate balcony on the building which was removed for examination, meaning it may not be eligible for examination again.