I can not believe what I am witnessing. #GrenfellFire #Grenfelltower @gmb pic.twitter.com/DrOGII3biG— Jonathan Swain (@SwainITV) June 14, 2017Burning falling debris making @LondonFire job extremely difficult and dangerous. Pray those inside. @gmb @piersmorgan @susannareid100 pic.twitter.com/LuvSdYWIGN— Jonathan Swain (@SwainITV) June 14, 2017
Horrific images and video capture residents screaming for help and using bedsheets tied together in a bid to escape the flames and smoke in Kensington, West London'
Six people have been confirmed dead as more than 200 firefighters continue to battle a huge blaze at a tower block in west London.
Police say the death toll is expected to increase during a "complex recovery operation" which will likely take a number of days to complete.
The London Ambulance Service have said 50 people were taken to five London hospitals.
Many residents were trapped in their flats when the fire broke out at the Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, North Kensington, shortly before 1am on Wednesday morning.
Witness described terrifying scenes as residents jumped from their flats and parents threw their children out of windows in a desperate bid to save them. Some used ropes made from knotted bedsheets to escape the flames and smoke.
Fiery debris rained down as the blaze spread between the second and top floors.
Emergency services have declared a major incident, with hundreds of personnel and dozens of vehicles, including 40 fire engines, at the scene.
Donations pour in for survivors who are now homeless
I can not believe what I am witnessing. #GrenfellFire #Grenfelltower @gmb pic.twitter.com/DrOGII3biG— Jonathan Swain (@SwainITV) June 14, 2017
Donations are pouring in for tower block residents who have lost their homes and most or all of their possessions.
A number of local charities, companies and groups have been collecting food, clothing, blankets and other items throughout the morning.
Here are some of the scenes from the Maxilla Social Club, which opened its doors to residents after the blaze broke out.
Many well-wishers have arrived with donations (Photo: Barcroft Media)
Food, drink and clothing and other items have been dropped off (Photo: Barcroft Media)
People sort through donations (Photo: Barcroft Media)
Nearly 500 emergency service staff involved in response
Mayor Sadiq Khan says more than 450 emergency service staff, including 250-plus firefighters, were involved in the response.
He confirmed that more than 100 paramedics and 100 police officers attended the scene.
The Mayor added: “I want to thank our incredible firefighters and emergency services for their immense courage, dedication and professionalism.”
Nearly 500 emergency service staff involved in response
Mayor Sadiq Khan says more than 450 emergency service staff, including 250-plus firefighters, were involved in the response.
He confirmed that more than 100 paramedics and 100 police officers attended the scene.
The Mayor added: “I want to thank our incredible firefighters and emergency services for their immense courage, dedication and professionalism.”
Emergency personnel near the scene (Photo: John Nguyen/JNVisuals)
Family search for father who told wife and son to flee
Saber Neda, a father who lived in a top-floor flat with his wife Shakila, 45, and son Farhad, 24, is missing.
Mr Neda’s nephew Reshad Habib, who lives in the Netherlands, said: “We are all trying to find him. He was last heard from at 3.30am when he told his wife and son to leave him.
“He said that they had to get out. He said they should go and he would follow.
“We all don’t know the exact reason why he waited behind, but we think he was injured or something.
“They were both taken to hospital. We don’t know how they are.”
Family search for father who told wife and son to flee
Saber Neda, a father who lived in a top-floor flat with his wife Shakila, 45, and son Farhad, 24, is missing.
Mr Neda’s nephew Reshad Habib, who lives in the Netherlands, said: “We are all trying to find him. He was last heard from at 3.30am when he told his wife and son to leave him.
“He said that they had to get out. He said they should go and he would follow.
“We all don’t know the exact reason why he waited behind, but we think he was injured or something.
“They were both taken to hospital. We don’t know how they are.”
Saber Neda told his wife and son to flee the building (Photo: SWNS.com)
Fire scene is 'like Armageddon'
Local resident Amanda Fernandez, 32, who grew up and went to school in the neighbourhood, described the scene as “like Armageddon”.
Ms Fernandez, who lives nearby, said: “It was literally like what you see in a film. You could hear screaming. It was like a nightmare.
“The lights starting blacking out. Then you could see the people inside using their lights on their mobile phones, then you think ‘oh my God, they have not got out’.
“There is a lot of anxiety just because you do not know where people are.”
She described the area as a close-knit community with homes that are filled with generations of families.
She said: “If you do not have a family member or friend (in the block) then you will know someone who knows them.”
Fire scene is 'like Armageddon'
Local resident Amanda Fernandez, 32, who grew up and went to school in the neighbourhood, described the scene as “like Armageddon”.
Ms Fernandez, who lives nearby, said: “It was literally like what you see in a film. You could hear screaming. It was like a nightmare.
“The lights starting blacking out. Then you could see the people inside using their lights on their mobile phones, then you think ‘oh my God, they have not got out’.
“There is a lot of anxiety just because you do not know where people are.”
She described the area as a close-knit community with homes that are filled with generations of families.
She said: “If you do not have a family member or friend (in the block) then you will know someone who knows them.”
A local resident brings food to firefighters (Photo: John Nguyen/JNVisuals)
'Sprinklers could have helped' contain fire
Paul Fuller, chief fire officer for Bedfordshire and chairman of the Fire Sector Federation, said sprinklers could have helped.
He told BBC Radio 4’s World At One: “We know that sprinklers are effective. Also, sprinklers will make the environment more survivable by containing the fire and containing the smoke.
“But they are not a total solution. We also have to make sure that passive protection measures - things like the structure of the building and the fire resistance of the building - are all properly in place as well.”
He added that the federation has been calling for a review of part B of the building regulations “for a number of years now” to ensure they “meet the needs of a modern society using modern methods of construction and who use buildings differently from the way we used to 30 or 40 years ago”.
'Sprinklers could have helped' contain fire
Paul Fuller, chief fire officer for Bedfordshire and chairman of the Fire Sector Federation, said sprinklers could have helped.
He told BBC Radio 4’s World At One: “We know that sprinklers are effective. Also, sprinklers will make the environment more survivable by containing the fire and containing the smoke.
“But they are not a total solution. We also have to make sure that passive protection measures - things like the structure of the building and the fire resistance of the building - are all properly in place as well.”
He added that the federation has been calling for a review of part B of the building regulations “for a number of years now” to ensure they “meet the needs of a modern society using modern methods of construction and who use buildings differently from the way we used to 30 or 40 years ago”.
Firefighters are still trying to bring the blaze under control (Photo: John Nguyen/JNVisuals)
Building management company issues statement
Kensington & Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, which has faced criticism from residents, has issued a statement, saying it is working to help those affected.
Robert Black, chief executive, said: “The fire at Grenfelll Tower is devastating and the reports of injury and losses of life absolutely heartbreaking.
“Along with my colleagues, I’ve been supporting residents since the early hours, working with the emergency services and the community.”
Residents have claimed that their concerns over fire safety “fell on deaf ears”.
Mayor says he will be 'demanding answers'
Mayor Sadiq Khan was asked at a press conference if an inquiry would be carried out independent of the borough.
He said: “There are genuine concerns, reasonable concerns, that have been raised in the course of the night and it’s really important that these questions are answered.
“I will be demanding answers and I can assure you I will be ensuring there is independence in relation to it.
“The reassurance we need is to make sure lessons are learned and also if - and this is a big if - if there are mistakes made, we want to make sure we learn from them.”
Building management company issues statement
Kensington & Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, which has faced criticism from residents, has issued a statement, saying it is working to help those affected.
Robert Black, chief executive, said: “The fire at Grenfelll Tower is devastating and the reports of injury and losses of life absolutely heartbreaking.
“Along with my colleagues, I’ve been supporting residents since the early hours, working with the emergency services and the community.”
Residents have claimed that their concerns over fire safety “fell on deaf ears”.
Mayor says he will be 'demanding answers'
Mayor Sadiq Khan was asked at a press conference if an inquiry would be carried out independent of the borough.
He said: “There are genuine concerns, reasonable concerns, that have been raised in the course of the night and it’s really important that these questions are answered.
“I will be demanding answers and I can assure you I will be ensuring there is independence in relation to it.
“The reassurance we need is to make sure lessons are learned and also if - and this is a big if - if there are mistakes made, we want to make sure we learn from them.”
Firefighters spray water on the building (Photo: John Nguyen/JNVisuals)
Merkel hails efforts of 'heroic' rescuers
German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered her country’s “deep sympathy” to the families of victims.
She added: “The efforts of rescue services were heroic.”
Earlier, Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and Prime Minister Theresa May issued statements on the tragic fire.
Rita Ora offers prayers as block she played in burns
She wrote on Instagram: “This is my neighbourhood I can’t believe this is happening. My prayers are with everybody involved my heart is beating so fast.
“I used to play in that block - I want to do all I can do to help.”
She posted a photo with addresses of help points.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVUL-xdg4R0Student watched families throw children out of windows
Another witness has reported seeing families throw their children out of windows.
Student Tiago Etienne, 17, said he saw people drop from around the 15th floor but it was hard to tell in the darkness of the early hours.
He said: “I saw about three children between the ages of four and eight being thrown.”
He said he thought they were being sent down to firefighters because they were not letting the civilians who were there get close.
The screams of the residents had alerted him to the fire.
He said: “It was loud. It was terrible.”
Merkel hails efforts of 'heroic' rescuers
German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered her country’s “deep sympathy” to the families of victims.
She added: “The efforts of rescue services were heroic.”
Earlier, Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and Prime Minister Theresa May issued statements on the tragic fire.
Rita Ora offers prayers as block she played in burns
She wrote on Instagram: “This is my neighbourhood I can’t believe this is happening. My prayers are with everybody involved my heart is beating so fast.
“I used to play in that block - I want to do all I can do to help.”
She posted a photo with addresses of help points.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVUL-xdg4R0Student watched families throw children out of windows
Another witness has reported seeing families throw their children out of windows.
Student Tiago Etienne, 17, said he saw people drop from around the 15th floor but it was hard to tell in the darkness of the early hours.
He said: “I saw about three children between the ages of four and eight being thrown.”
He said he thought they were being sent down to firefighters because they were not letting the civilians who were there get close.
The screams of the residents had alerted him to the fire.
He said: “It was loud. It was terrible.”
Forensics officers arrive at the tower block (Photo: PA)
Multiple firefighters injured battling blaze
London Fire Brigade Commissioner Dany Cotton says multiple firefighters have suffered minor injuries battling the blaze.
She said the cause of the fire is under investigation and it’s too early to speculate how it started or how it spread.
Ms Cotton says firefighters continue to go through the building.
Community rallies around residents, emergency services
The local community is rallying around residents who have been displaced and emergency services workers who have been at the scene for hours.
Companies, charities, groups and individuals are collecting donations of food, clothing and other items for the residents.
People who live in the area have been bringing food and drink to firefighters and other personnel at the scene.
Multiple firefighters injured battling blaze
London Fire Brigade Commissioner Dany Cotton says multiple firefighters have suffered minor injuries battling the blaze.
She said the cause of the fire is under investigation and it’s too early to speculate how it started or how it spread.
Ms Cotton says firefighters continue to go through the building.
Community rallies around residents, emergency services
The local community is rallying around residents who have been displaced and emergency services workers who have been at the scene for hours.
Companies, charities, groups and individuals are collecting donations of food, clothing and other items for the residents.
People who live in the area have been bringing food and drink to firefighters and other personnel at the scene.
Company behind recladding job went into administration
Harley Curtain Wall, the company that carried out the latest cladding work on the tower, went into administration following the project, the Construction Enquirer reported two years ago.
Julie Palmer, of insolvency specialist Begbies Traynor, told the industry publication: “Unfortunately, after reviewing all options we were left with little choice but to close the business. The firm had entered difficulty due to cashflow problems.”
The recladding project cost £3m, Construction Enquirier reported.
Praise for 'fearless heroes' who risked their lives
There has been praise for emergency services members who rushed to the blaze and helped residents.
Hundreds of personnel, including more than 200 firefighters and 100 paramedics, responded to the fire.
There has been an outpouring of support for everyone involved.
A firefighter reacts after battling the blaze (Photo: EPA)
Residents say their warnings "fell on deaf ears"
Residents say there was no sprinkler system in the building and they had voiced concerns about fire safety in the past.
A blog post from the Grenfell Action Group from November 2016 said “only a catastrophic event” would expose those concerns.
Following the fire, the group said: “All our warnings fell on deaf ears and we predicted that a catastrophe like this was inevitable and just a matter of time.”
Residents say their warnings "fell on deaf ears"
Residents say there was no sprinkler system in the building and they had voiced concerns about fire safety in the past.
A blog post from the Grenfell Action Group from November 2016 said “only a catastrophic event” would expose those concerns.
Following the fire, the group said: “All our warnings fell on deaf ears and we predicted that a catastrophe like this was inevitable and just a matter of time.”
The death toll is expected to increase (Photo: Rex Features)
Firefighters visited tower block over the weekend
Grenfell Tower residents have claimed that a fire crew visited the building on Saturday to speak to residents and check fire alarms.
One woman said: “They told us the protocol is to close your door because the fire door will withstand the heat for a duration of time.
“If I listened to advice given to me by the fire brigade and also by the TMO management team we could be dead.”
Prime Minister 'deeply saddened' over tragic fire
Prime Minister Theresa May is said to be “deeply saddened” over the deadly fire.
She is receiving regular updates on the incident and has arranged a meeting to co-ordinate the response.
A Number 10 spokesman said in a statement: “The Prime Minister is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in the Grenfell Tower and is being kept constantly updated on the situation.
“She has asked for a cross-Government meeting at the Civil Contingencies Secretariat to take place at 4pm to co-ordinate the response and ensure the Government is ready to assist the emergency services and local authorities as necessary.
“The PM’s thoughts are with all of those affected by this terrible incident and the emergency services, who are working tirelessly in very difficult circumstances.”
The meeting will be chaired by the Police and Fire Minister Nick Hurd.
Twenty patients in critical care
London Ambulance Service says 64 patients have been taken to six hospitals.
Of those, 20 are in critical care.
In addition to the 64 transported by medics, 10 people made their own way to hospital.
Photos of firefighters checking flats
Firefighters continue to go through the tower as they try to bring the blaze under control, look for survivors and establish the cause.
At last report crews were nearing the top floor as they checked every flat and room in the tower.
Here are the latest photos from the scene:
Firefighters visited tower block over the weekend
Grenfell Tower residents have claimed that a fire crew visited the building on Saturday to speak to residents and check fire alarms.
One woman said: “They told us the protocol is to close your door because the fire door will withstand the heat for a duration of time.
“If I listened to advice given to me by the fire brigade and also by the TMO management team we could be dead.”
Prime Minister 'deeply saddened' over tragic fire
Prime Minister Theresa May is said to be “deeply saddened” over the deadly fire.
She is receiving regular updates on the incident and has arranged a meeting to co-ordinate the response.
A Number 10 spokesman said in a statement: “The Prime Minister is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in the Grenfell Tower and is being kept constantly updated on the situation.
“She has asked for a cross-Government meeting at the Civil Contingencies Secretariat to take place at 4pm to co-ordinate the response and ensure the Government is ready to assist the emergency services and local authorities as necessary.
“The PM’s thoughts are with all of those affected by this terrible incident and the emergency services, who are working tirelessly in very difficult circumstances.”
The meeting will be chaired by the Police and Fire Minister Nick Hurd.
Twenty patients in critical care
London Ambulance Service says 64 patients have been taken to six hospitals.
Of those, 20 are in critical care.
In addition to the 64 transported by medics, 10 people made their own way to hospital.
Photos of firefighters checking flats
Firefighters continue to go through the tower as they try to bring the blaze under control, look for survivors and establish the cause.
At last report crews were nearing the top floor as they checked every flat and room in the tower.
Here are the latest photos from the scene:
A firefighter is seen inside one of the flats (Photo: PA)
Crews are checking every room for survivors (Photo: PA)
Firefighters walk amongst debris at the tower's base (Photo: Daily Mirror)
Company that renovated tower says work met safety standards
Further to that last entry, Rydon, which carried out refurbishment work on the tower, has released a statement:
It says: “We are shocked to hear of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower and our immediate thoughts are with those that have been affected by the incident, their families, relatives and friends.
“Rydon completed a refurbishment of the building in the summer of 2016 for KCTMO (Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation) on behalf of the Council, which met all required building control, fire regulation and health & safety standards.
Company that renovated tower says work met safety standards
Further to that last entry, Rydon, which carried out refurbishment work on the tower, has released a statement:
It says: “We are shocked to hear of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower and our immediate thoughts are with those that have been affected by the incident, their families, relatives and friends.
“Rydon completed a refurbishment of the building in the summer of 2016 for KCTMO (Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation) on behalf of the Council, which met all required building control, fire regulation and health & safety standards.
At least six people have been killed (Photo: Daily Mirror)
“We will cooperate with the relevant authorities and emergency services and fully support their enquiries into the causes of this fire at the appropriate time.
“Given the ongoing nature of the incident and the tragic events overnight, it would be inappropriate for us to speculate or comment further at this stage.”
The building was refurbished at a cost of £8.6 million, with work completed in May last year.
Director of firm behind refurbishment questioned over cladding
The director of the company responsible for the tower’s recent refurbishment has given an interview to ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
Andrew Goldman, director of Rydon, said the work met all safety standards, but admitted he doesn’t know what the building’s cladding was made from.
Witnesses said the cladding went up “like a matchstick” and flaming pieces rained down on people below.
Mr Goldman said: “We don’t know there is any direct link between the fire and cladding.”
“We will cooperate with the relevant authorities and emergency services and fully support their enquiries into the causes of this fire at the appropriate time.
“Given the ongoing nature of the incident and the tragic events overnight, it would be inappropriate for us to speculate or comment further at this stage.”
The building was refurbished at a cost of £8.6 million, with work completed in May last year.
Director of firm behind refurbishment questioned over cladding
The director of the company responsible for the tower’s recent refurbishment has given an interview to ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
Andrew Goldman, director of Rydon, said the work met all safety standards, but admitted he doesn’t know what the building’s cladding was made from.
Witnesses said the cladding went up “like a matchstick” and flaming pieces rained down on people below.
Mr Goldman said: “We don’t know there is any direct link between the fire and cladding.”
Firefighters are seen inside the tower (Photo: SWNS.com)
Jamie Oliver offers food and drink to displaced residents
Jamie Oliver has offered food, drink and shelter to residents who were displaced by the fire.
He invited survivors to his Jamie’s Italian restaurant at the Westfield shopping centre nearby.
He wrote on Instagram: “To any of the 100’s of FAMILIES effected by this terrible fire at Grenfell Tower Notting hill today, You are all welcome to come hang out in my restaurant and be fed and watered by my Jamies Italian team.
“Food and drink free of charge so just go and speak to my manager Juan and we will sort you out and give you some love”.
Jamie Oliver offers food and drink to displaced residents
Jamie Oliver has offered food, drink and shelter to residents who were displaced by the fire.
He invited survivors to his Jamie’s Italian restaurant at the Westfield shopping centre nearby.
He wrote on Instagram: “To any of the 100’s of FAMILIES effected by this terrible fire at Grenfell Tower Notting hill today, You are all welcome to come hang out in my restaurant and be fed and watered by my Jamies Italian team.
“Food and drink free of charge so just go and speak to my manager Juan and we will sort you out and give you some love”.
People watch the fire from a distance (Photo: Flynet Pictures)https://www.instagram.com/p/BVUJ_opBtef
Urgent appeals for residents missing after blaze
Desperate relatives are waiting for updates on loves ones - including children and pensioners - who are unaccounted for.
The worried family of 12-year-old Jessica Urbano have not seen her since the fire broke out.
Jessica, who lives on the 20th floor, phoned her mum from a fire escape at 1.39am, but that was the last time she heard from her daughter.
Urgent appeals for residents missing after blaze
Desperate relatives are waiting for updates on loves ones - including children and pensioners - who are unaccounted for.
The worried family of 12-year-old Jessica Urbano have not seen her since the fire broke out.
Jessica, who lives on the 20th floor, phoned her mum from a fire escape at 1.39am, but that was the last time she heard from her daughter.
Jessica Urbano called her mum from a fire escape (Photo: SWNS.com)
'Soot and ash' falling on people and cars
‘Soot and bits of ash’ have fallen on people, cars and properties around the tower.
Radio 5 reporter Lesley Ashmall posted a photo on Twitter of debris on a car, writing: “Soot and bits of ash falling all over roads.”
She later posted a photo of more debris, adding: “This just fell on me. It’s still raining down.”
'No one on top three residential floors survived'
A local community leader has claimed no one who lived on the top three residential floors has survived.
The Lancaster West estate resident’s committee member, who did not want to be named, said: “I have been told that anyone past the 21st floor did not make it.
“There is a family of three who live quite high up, a heavily pregnant wife, husband and two little girls aged ten and 11.
“The husband is fine, but the wife and two girls are in a coma at Kings Hospital in Camberwell.
“There is also a missing 20-year-old called Yasim, his friends are here looking for him today and his family have heard no news.”
'Soot and ash' falling on people and cars
‘Soot and bits of ash’ have fallen on people, cars and properties around the tower.
Radio 5 reporter Lesley Ashmall posted a photo on Twitter of debris on a car, writing: “Soot and bits of ash falling all over roads.”
She later posted a photo of more debris, adding: “This just fell on me. It’s still raining down.”
'No one on top three residential floors survived'
A local community leader has claimed no one who lived on the top three residential floors has survived.
The Lancaster West estate resident’s committee member, who did not want to be named, said: “I have been told that anyone past the 21st floor did not make it.
“There is a family of three who live quite high up, a heavily pregnant wife, husband and two little girls aged ten and 11.
“The husband is fine, but the wife and two girls are in a coma at Kings Hospital in Camberwell.
“There is also a missing 20-year-old called Yasim, his friends are here looking for him today and his family have heard no news.”
Managers 'ignored residents' warnings about fire safety risks'
A mother who fled with her five-year-old son says warnings that a refurbishment posed safety risks were ignored.
Turafat Yilma, a 39-year-old resident on the building’s seventh floor, was awoken by a call from her friend on the 17th floor telling her to escape.
The dense smoke filling the corridors meant she was unable to get to safety with her son Abem and husband Abraham, 44, until the fire brigade arrived.
She said: “A fireman came and knocked on the door and all of us just had to follow them, my husband carrying my son and just me, it took us less than five minutes.
“The flames were from the fourth floor and it just went up 10 floors and it was really bad at the time, it was really really bad.”
Firefighters at the scene (Photo: EPA)
She said along with neighbours they had flagged concerns to the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation about the building’s recent revamp, which had fallen on deaf ears.
She added: “When this was refurbished a year ago we were against it for safety, this was our worry - if one fire started this place would go down and that is what has happened.
“They didn’t listen, we even went to the MP, Victoria Borwick, we had quite a few meetings - this is what happens.”
Six people confirmed dead as toll expected to rise
Met Police say six people have been killed in the fire.
The death toll is expected to rise, police added.
Commander Stuart Cundy said: “Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this truly shocking fire at Grenfell Tower.
“I can confirm six fatalities at this time but this figure is likely to rise during what will be a complex recovery operation over a number of days. Many others are receiving medical care.
“If you do have any concerns for anybody connected to this awful event, please call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233. If you do not get through immediately, please try again.
If you have any concerns, please use that number rather than dialling 999 or 101.”
How you can help the fire victims
Multiple people have been killed and hundreds of residents have been displaced due to the fire.
The survivors have lost their homes and most, if not all, of their possessions.
A large movement is underway to help them with food, drinks and clothing.
Evacuees told to check in at community centre
Residents who were evacuated from the building have been asked to go to a local community centre to check in with police.
They were told to visit the assistance centre at Rugby Portobello Trust at 221 Walmer Road.
Those who can’t make it to the assistance centre should ring the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233 or speak to a police officer.
She said along with neighbours they had flagged concerns to the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation about the building’s recent revamp, which had fallen on deaf ears.
She added: “When this was refurbished a year ago we were against it for safety, this was our worry - if one fire started this place would go down and that is what has happened.
“They didn’t listen, we even went to the MP, Victoria Borwick, we had quite a few meetings - this is what happens.”
Six people confirmed dead as toll expected to rise
Met Police say six people have been killed in the fire.
The death toll is expected to rise, police added.
Commander Stuart Cundy said: “Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this truly shocking fire at Grenfell Tower.
“I can confirm six fatalities at this time but this figure is likely to rise during what will be a complex recovery operation over a number of days. Many others are receiving medical care.
“If you do have any concerns for anybody connected to this awful event, please call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233. If you do not get through immediately, please try again.
If you have any concerns, please use that number rather than dialling 999 or 101.”
How you can help the fire victims
Multiple people have been killed and hundreds of residents have been displaced due to the fire.
The survivors have lost their homes and most, if not all, of their possessions.
A large movement is underway to help them with food, drinks and clothing.
Evacuees told to check in at community centre
Residents who were evacuated from the building have been asked to go to a local community centre to check in with police.
They were told to visit the assistance centre at Rugby Portobello Trust at 221 Walmer Road.
Those who can’t make it to the assistance centre should ring the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233 or speak to a police officer.
#GrenfellTower Those evacuated please go to the Assistance Centre at @RugbyPortobello 221 Walmer Rd W11 4EY to let police know you are safe
10:58 AM - 14 Jun 2017
#GrenfellTower Those evacuated please go to the Assistance Centre at @RugbyPortobello 221 Walmer Rd W11 4EY to let police know you are safe
@RugbyPortobello If you can’t make it to the @RugbyPortobello centre please ring Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233 or speak to a police officer #GrenfellTower
11:02 AM - 14 Jun 2017
@RugbyPortobello If you can’t make it to the @RugbyPortobello centre please ring Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233 or speak to a police officer #GrenfellTower
@RugbyPortobello The Centre is for evacuated people only. Friends and families are asked not to go there at this time. #GrenfellTower @RugbyPortobello
11:05 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Trapped residents 'were just waiting to die'
Denise Bloomfield, 37, who was evacuated from a nearby flat, said people who escaped in their nightwear were “like zombies”, while others inside were “just waiting to die”.
She said: “You could feel the heat from where you were standing. It was scary. It was like watching a movie.
“People were like zombies in their pyjamas. It was just not real.”
She had looked out of her window and “saw the whole building on fire and people screaming for help”.
Smoke billows from the tower late this morning (Photo: Flynet Pictures)
She said: “We ran out and saw the whole building on fire. People near me were screaming because their loved ones were there.
“There was nothing you could do because we were being pushed back. There was nothing you could do because it was too big. The fire just took so quickly. “There were people who were just surviving ... and waiting for the fire to take them, just waiting to die.
“They were taking in air from the window. One person had a light so you knew they were there.”
Up to 600 people lived in Grenfell Tower
Notting Dale ward councillor Judith Blakeman, who lives across the road from the block, said between 400 and 600 people live in the building.
The 24-storey block, built in 1974, contains 120 homes.
In addition to flats it had a nursery and amateur boxing club.
11:00
Londoners urged to 'use NHS wisely'
Londoners have been urged to “use NHS services wisely” as dozens of people are treated at five London hospitals.
NHS England said no details were available at present on the condition of people taken to hospital.
The five hospitals are St Mary’s, Chelsea and Westminster, Royal Free, St Thomas’ and King’s College Hospital.
A spokeswoman for NHS England London region said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic incident at the Grenfell tower block in Kensington.
She said: “We ran out and saw the whole building on fire. People near me were screaming because their loved ones were there.
“There was nothing you could do because we were being pushed back. There was nothing you could do because it was too big. The fire just took so quickly. “There were people who were just surviving ... and waiting for the fire to take them, just waiting to die.
“They were taking in air from the window. One person had a light so you knew they were there.”
Up to 600 people lived in Grenfell Tower
Notting Dale ward councillor Judith Blakeman, who lives across the road from the block, said between 400 and 600 people live in the building.
The 24-storey block, built in 1974, contains 120 homes.
In addition to flats it had a nursery and amateur boxing club.
11:00
Londoners urged to 'use NHS wisely'
Londoners have been urged to “use NHS services wisely” as dozens of people are treated at five London hospitals.
NHS England said no details were available at present on the condition of people taken to hospital.
The five hospitals are St Mary’s, Chelsea and Westminster, Royal Free, St Thomas’ and King’s College Hospital.
A spokeswoman for NHS England London region said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic incident at the Grenfell tower block in Kensington.
Emergency services at the scene (Photo: PA)
“Our priority is to continue to work closely with the NHS and emergency services involved.
“We have tried-and-tested measures in place to manage this but we would also encourage Londoners to use NHS services wisely and seek advice from NHS 111 in the first instance.”
Earlier, London Ambulance Service said it had taken 50 people to hospital.
Tower block not in danger of collapsing
Police use riot shields to protect hero firefighters
Police officers used riot shields to defend heroic firefighters from falling debris.
Charred cladding and other debris was falling from the upper floors, making the job even more dangerous.
Firefighters continue to search the building for survivors.
“Our priority is to continue to work closely with the NHS and emergency services involved.
“We have tried-and-tested measures in place to manage this but we would also encourage Londoners to use NHS services wisely and seek advice from NHS 111 in the first instance.”
Earlier, London Ambulance Service said it had taken 50 people to hospital.
Tower block not in danger of collapsing
Police use riot shields to protect hero firefighters
Police officers used riot shields to defend heroic firefighters from falling debris.
Charred cladding and other debris was falling from the upper floors, making the job even more dangerous.
Firefighters continue to search the building for survivors.
Police protect firefighters with riot shields (Photo: Getty Images Europe)
Firefighters continue to find survivors in tower
Firefighters continue to find survivors inside the block, says a journalist at the scene.
The blaze was first reported almost 10 hours ago.
About an hour ago, London Fire Brigade Commissioner Dany Cotton said crews had reached the 20th floor and were working their way to the top of the 24-storey building.
Even now the fire fighters tell me they have found survivors inside the building.around 9 hours after the fire first began @GMB @piersmorgan
10:15 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Fire intensifies as chunks of facade fall to ground
Here is the latest video from the scene of the fire.
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines says the blaze is intensifying.
Chunks of facade are falling from the upper floors.
Firefighters continue to find survivors in tower
Firefighters continue to find survivors inside the block, says a journalist at the scene.
The blaze was first reported almost 10 hours ago.
About an hour ago, London Fire Brigade Commissioner Dany Cotton said crews had reached the 20th floor and were working their way to the top of the 24-storey building.
Even now the fire fighters tell me they have found survivors inside the building.around 9 hours after the fire first began @GMB @piersmorgan
10:15 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Fire intensifies as chunks of facade fall to ground
Here is the latest video from the scene of the fire.
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines says the blaze is intensifying.
Chunks of facade are falling from the upper floors.
Grenfell Tower home to 120 flats, nursery and boxing club
Grenfell Tower is a 24-storey block that was built in 1974 and contains 120 homes.
The building was refurbished recently at a cost of £8.6 million, with work completed in May last year.
The exterior of the tower was modernised with cladding and replacement windows, while additional homes were added using vacant space in the building.
On its website, Rydon Construction said: “Externally, rain screen cladding, curtain wall facade and replacement windows were fitted, improving thermal insulation and modernising the exterior of the building.”
The work also included the installation of new double-glazed windows and a new communal heating system.
A communal entrance was also created along with new facilities for returning tenants, Grenfell Under 3s Nursery and Dale Youth Amateur Boxing Club.
10:39
Baby 'caught after being dropped from window'
Witness Samira Lamrani said a baby was caught by a member of the public after being dropped from a window “on the ninth or 10th floor”.
She said: “People were starting to appear at the windows, frantically banging and screaming. The windows were slightly ajar, a woman was gesturing that she was about to throw her baby and if somebody could catch her baby.
“Somebody did, a gentleman ran forward and managed to grab the baby.”
Grenfell Tower is a 24-storey block that was built in 1974 and contains 120 homes.
The building was refurbished recently at a cost of £8.6 million, with work completed in May last year.
The exterior of the tower was modernised with cladding and replacement windows, while additional homes were added using vacant space in the building.
On its website, Rydon Construction said: “Externally, rain screen cladding, curtain wall facade and replacement windows were fitted, improving thermal insulation and modernising the exterior of the building.”
The work also included the installation of new double-glazed windows and a new communal heating system.
A communal entrance was also created along with new facilities for returning tenants, Grenfell Under 3s Nursery and Dale Youth Amateur Boxing Club.
10:39
Baby 'caught after being dropped from window'
Witness Samira Lamrani said a baby was caught by a member of the public after being dropped from a window “on the ninth or 10th floor”.
She said: “People were starting to appear at the windows, frantically banging and screaming. The windows were slightly ajar, a woman was gesturing that she was about to throw her baby and if somebody could catch her baby.
“Somebody did, a gentleman ran forward and managed to grab the baby.”
The fire continues to burn (Photo: PA)
She added: “I could see people from all angles, banging and screaming for help.
“Us members of the public were reassuring them, telling them we’ve done what we can and that we’ve phoned 999, but obviously the look on their face was death.
“My daughter’s friend said she observed an adult who made some sort of homemade parachute and tried to lower himself out of the window.
“The more I looked up, floor upon floor. Endless numbers of people.
“Mainly the kids, because obviously their voices, with their high pitched voices - that will remain with me for a long time. I could hear them screaming for their lives.”
Mum threw son out of window to save him from fire
A resident called Zara said she saw a woman throw her son, who was about five years old, from a fifth or sixth floor window to escape the blaze.
She told LBC: “One woman actually threw her son out of the window. I think he’s OK.
“I think he might have just had some broken bones and bruises.
“There was another woman screaming ‘my baby, my baby, I need to get out, I need to save my baby’.
“But we were just looking up. We couldn’t do anything. There was nothing we could do.”
Facebook activates safety check following fire
Facebook has activated its safety check feature following the fire.
The safety check has been used a number of times in the UK in recent months.
Most recently, it was in use after the London Bridge and Manchester terror attacks.
Facebook activates its Safety Check feature for the #GrenfellTower fire.
10:08 AM - 14 Jun 2017
PM's chief of staff 'sat on' report warning of fire risks
Theresa May’s new chief of staff was one of a series of housing ministers who “sat on” a report warning high-rise blocks like Grenfell Tower were vulnerable to fire for four years.
A former Chief Fire Officer who and secretary of a parliamentary group on fire safety today revealed successive ministers had had damning evidence on their desks since 2013 and nothing had happened.
The Labour MP who chairs the group said ministers had “sat on” the recommendations for almost four years.
She added: “I could see people from all angles, banging and screaming for help.
“Us members of the public were reassuring them, telling them we’ve done what we can and that we’ve phoned 999, but obviously the look on their face was death.
“My daughter’s friend said she observed an adult who made some sort of homemade parachute and tried to lower himself out of the window.
“The more I looked up, floor upon floor. Endless numbers of people.
“Mainly the kids, because obviously their voices, with their high pitched voices - that will remain with me for a long time. I could hear them screaming for their lives.”
Mum threw son out of window to save him from fire
A resident called Zara said she saw a woman throw her son, who was about five years old, from a fifth or sixth floor window to escape the blaze.
She told LBC: “One woman actually threw her son out of the window. I think he’s OK.
“I think he might have just had some broken bones and bruises.
“There was another woman screaming ‘my baby, my baby, I need to get out, I need to save my baby’.
“But we were just looking up. We couldn’t do anything. There was nothing we could do.”
Facebook activates safety check following fire
Facebook has activated its safety check feature following the fire.
The safety check has been used a number of times in the UK in recent months.
Most recently, it was in use after the London Bridge and Manchester terror attacks.
Facebook activates its Safety Check feature for the #GrenfellTower fire.
10:08 AM - 14 Jun 2017
PM's chief of staff 'sat on' report warning of fire risks
Theresa May’s new chief of staff was one of a series of housing ministers who “sat on” a report warning high-rise blocks like Grenfell Tower were vulnerable to fire for four years.
A former Chief Fire Officer who and secretary of a parliamentary group on fire safety today revealed successive ministers had had damning evidence on their desks since 2013 and nothing had happened.
The Labour MP who chairs the group said ministers had “sat on” the recommendations for almost four years.
The fire went from the second to top floors (Photo: PA)
Fire victims were 'spitting out black tar' after escaping
A nurse who treated the injured has told how the blaze was the ‘worst incident’ of her career.
Simone Williams, who works at University College Hospital, was scrambled to the scene and arrived to hundreds of firefighters tackling the blaze and ‘a countless amount’ of people suffering with smoke inhalation.
She said: “It was very obvious that people were not going to get out, there were two hundred-plus firefighters there and even they were coming out with injuries and they have special equipment.
“They were coming out shouting that it was too hot. They couldn’t get past the 10th floor, it was just too hot.
Fire victims were 'spitting out black tar' after escaping
A nurse who treated the injured has told how the blaze was the ‘worst incident’ of her career.
Simone Williams, who works at University College Hospital, was scrambled to the scene and arrived to hundreds of firefighters tackling the blaze and ‘a countless amount’ of people suffering with smoke inhalation.
She said: “It was very obvious that people were not going to get out, there were two hundred-plus firefighters there and even they were coming out with injuries and they have special equipment.
“They were coming out shouting that it was too hot. They couldn’t get past the 10th floor, it was just too hot.
A photo taken hours after the blaze was first reported (Photo: PA)
“I started treating patients outside the building. I’ve no idea how many I treated, loads. Absolutely loads.
“Never in my nursing career have I seen anything like this. This is definitely the worst incident that I have ever seen.”
She added: “A lot of the injuries were smoke inhalation, people were spitting out black tar that had gone on their lungs.”
Ms Williams was trying to find a woman she treated to find out if she had found her daughter.
Massive outpouring of support for fire victims
Companies, individuals and charities have sprung into action to offer help to those affected by the fire.
A rest centre has been set up at Harrow Centre, Freston Road, while nearby St Clements Church was collecting clothes, food and water.
Similar efforts are underway throughout the community as Londoners were encouraged to donate.
Tony Fernandes, the chairman of Queens Park Rangers, said he was enquiring as to whether their Shepherd’s Bush stadium, Loftus Road, could also be used as a centre.
“I started treating patients outside the building. I’ve no idea how many I treated, loads. Absolutely loads.
“Never in my nursing career have I seen anything like this. This is definitely the worst incident that I have ever seen.”
She added: “A lot of the injuries were smoke inhalation, people were spitting out black tar that had gone on their lungs.”
Ms Williams was trying to find a woman she treated to find out if she had found her daughter.
Massive outpouring of support for fire victims
Companies, individuals and charities have sprung into action to offer help to those affected by the fire.
A rest centre has been set up at Harrow Centre, Freston Road, while nearby St Clements Church was collecting clothes, food and water.
Similar efforts are underway throughout the community as Londoners were encouraged to donate.
Tony Fernandes, the chairman of Queens Park Rangers, said he was enquiring as to whether their Shepherd’s Bush stadium, Loftus Road, could also be used as a centre.
People gather to help at the Rugby Portobello Trust office (Photo: SWNS.com)
Some of the donations at the Maxilla social club (Photo: PA)
People have been donating food, drinks and clothing (Photo: PA)
Emergency numbers for concerned family members
A second emergency number has been made available for family who are concerned about loved ones who lived in the building.
Those people can call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233 or 0207 158 0197.
Earlier, people were given just one number to call.
Anyone concerned about loved ones following the fire in #GrenfellTower should contact the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233 or 0207 158 0197
9:42 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Labour MP accuses government of resisting safety calls
Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick - chairman of the all-party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group - accused the government of resisting calls to install sprinkler systems in high-rise blocks in the wake of the Lakanal House tragedy.
Mr Fitzpatrick, who was a firefighter for 20 years, told LBC: “We’ve been pressing for fire sprinkler systems in buildings where we think it’s appropriate - certainly over a height level and in places where there is vulnerability, care homes and in schools - and government has been resisting that for some time.”
But the MP for Poplar and Limehouse added: “There’s obviously a huge number of questions going to have to be asked about what happened to Latimer Road but it’s very early in the situation.
“It’s a bit early to start pointing fingers, I would have thought.”
Student's burnt homework falls from tower block
People on the ground are finding scorched items that fell from flats as the fire burned out of control.
A journalist snapped a photo of a student’s burnt homework.
A large safety cordon is in place to protect people from falling debris.
A piece of homework fell from the cloud of smoke, devastating situation for 100s of local people #LadbrokeGrove #grenfeltower#GrenfellFire
8:37 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Father clutched daughter as he ran through smoke
A shaken father says he clutched his five-year-old daughter in his arms as he ran down six flights of stairs through choking black smoke.
Michael Paramasivan, 37, woke up after smelling ‘burning plastic’ and opened his window to hear people screaming about a fire.
He fled with his daughter and girlfriend.
He said: “I grabbed my dressing gown and woke the missus up, grabbed my daughter and stuck her under my dressing gown so she wouldn’t breathe in the smoke.
Emergency numbers for concerned family members
A second emergency number has been made available for family who are concerned about loved ones who lived in the building.
Those people can call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233 or 0207 158 0197.
Earlier, people were given just one number to call.
Anyone concerned about loved ones following the fire in #GrenfellTower should contact the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233 or 0207 158 0197
9:42 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Labour MP accuses government of resisting safety calls
Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick - chairman of the all-party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group - accused the government of resisting calls to install sprinkler systems in high-rise blocks in the wake of the Lakanal House tragedy.
Mr Fitzpatrick, who was a firefighter for 20 years, told LBC: “We’ve been pressing for fire sprinkler systems in buildings where we think it’s appropriate - certainly over a height level and in places where there is vulnerability, care homes and in schools - and government has been resisting that for some time.”
But the MP for Poplar and Limehouse added: “There’s obviously a huge number of questions going to have to be asked about what happened to Latimer Road but it’s very early in the situation.
“It’s a bit early to start pointing fingers, I would have thought.”
Student's burnt homework falls from tower block
People on the ground are finding scorched items that fell from flats as the fire burned out of control.
A journalist snapped a photo of a student’s burnt homework.
A large safety cordon is in place to protect people from falling debris.
A piece of homework fell from the cloud of smoke, devastating situation for 100s of local people #LadbrokeGrove #grenfeltower#GrenfellFire
8:37 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Father clutched daughter as he ran through smoke
A shaken father says he clutched his five-year-old daughter in his arms as he ran down six flights of stairs through choking black smoke.
Michael Paramasivan, 37, woke up after smelling ‘burning plastic’ and opened his window to hear people screaming about a fire.
He fled with his daughter and girlfriend.
He said: “I grabbed my dressing gown and woke the missus up, grabbed my daughter and stuck her under my dressing gown so she wouldn’t breathe in the smoke.
Michael Paramasivan and his daughter Thea (Photo: PA)
He added:“The advice if there’s a fire is to stay inside because apparently it is fire proof for up to an hour.
“They said put a wet towel under the door and wait for the rescue team, me and my family would be dead.”
This is the stay put policy that residents at #GrenfellTower had raised with the owners 3 months before the fire. Management at fault here.
5:46 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Witness breaks down as he describes horrific scenes
A witness has told of horrific scenes as residents jumped and children were thrown from windows.
Mahad Egal told BBC News: “This was really horrific. There’s people who were jumping out.
“There’s a man who threw two of his children.”
A resident of Grenfell Tower breaks down as he describes seeing people throw children to safety, and people jumping out of windows.
9:25 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Update on woman who collapsed near scene. The woman who collapsed near the fire scene is now sitting up with paramedics.
Firefighters rushed to her aid after she fell to the floor. Firefighters rescue "large numbers of people"
London Fire Brigade Commissioner Dany Cotton says firefighters have rescued “large numbers of people” throughout the tower.
Crews are still going through the fire-ravaged building and have been up to the 20th floor as they search the building.
Ms Cotton says it is safe for them to be inside and they are making “steady progress” as they work their way up to the top floor.
He added:“The advice if there’s a fire is to stay inside because apparently it is fire proof for up to an hour.
“They said put a wet towel under the door and wait for the rescue team, me and my family would be dead.”
This is the stay put policy that residents at #GrenfellTower had raised with the owners 3 months before the fire. Management at fault here.
5:46 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Witness breaks down as he describes horrific scenes
A witness has told of horrific scenes as residents jumped and children were thrown from windows.
Mahad Egal told BBC News: “This was really horrific. There’s people who were jumping out.
“There’s a man who threw two of his children.”
A resident of Grenfell Tower breaks down as he describes seeing people throw children to safety, and people jumping out of windows.
9:25 AM - 14 Jun 2017
Update on woman who collapsed near scene. The woman who collapsed near the fire scene is now sitting up with paramedics.
Firefighters rushed to her aid after she fell to the floor. Firefighters rescue "large numbers of people"
London Fire Brigade Commissioner Dany Cotton says firefighters have rescued “large numbers of people” throughout the tower.
Crews are still going through the fire-ravaged building and have been up to the 20th floor as they search the building.
Ms Cotton says it is safe for them to be inside and they are making “steady progress” as they work their way up to the top floor.
Firefighters are still going through the building (Photo: PA)
Contingency plans for exams at nearby schools
A number of schools or colleges near the fire scene may have been affected by the safety cordon.
Ofqual has told students and parents to contact their school or college about exams scheduled to take place today.
It said in a statement: “We are aware that schools and colleges close to last night’s major fire in North Kensington may be affected by the ongoing incident.
“Students and parents should seek advice and information from their school or college about contingency plans for any exams scheduled to take place today.
“We will consider with the exam boards how provisions for students who are unable to sit their exams when planned, or who take their exams but whose performance might be affected, will be applied.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Call for ambulance 'only in an emergency'
London Ambulance Service has told residents of the capital to “only call us in a genuine emergency”.
More than 100 medics have responded to the blaze.
Fifty people have been taken to London hospitals.
Amazing Spaces host rushed to scene of blaze
George Clarke, who presents the Channel 4 TV show Amazing Spaces, told Radio 5 Live: “I was in bed and heard ‘beep, beep, beep’ and thought, ‘I’ll get up and run downstairs as quickly as I could’.
“I thought it might be a car alarm outside and saw the glow through the windows.
“I’m getting covered in ash, that’s how bad it is. I’m 100 metres away and I’m absolutely covered in ash.
“It’s so heartbreaking, I’ve seen someone flashing their torches at the top level and they obviously can’t get out.
“The guys are doing an incredible job to try and get people out that building, but it’s truly awful.”
Contingency plans for exams at nearby schools
A number of schools or colleges near the fire scene may have been affected by the safety cordon.
Ofqual has told students and parents to contact their school or college about exams scheduled to take place today.
It said in a statement: “We are aware that schools and colleges close to last night’s major fire in North Kensington may be affected by the ongoing incident.
“Students and parents should seek advice and information from their school or college about contingency plans for any exams scheduled to take place today.
“We will consider with the exam boards how provisions for students who are unable to sit their exams when planned, or who take their exams but whose performance might be affected, will be applied.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Call for ambulance 'only in an emergency'
London Ambulance Service has told residents of the capital to “only call us in a genuine emergency”.
More than 100 medics have responded to the blaze.
Fifty people have been taken to London hospitals.
Amazing Spaces host rushed to scene of blaze
George Clarke, who presents the Channel 4 TV show Amazing Spaces, told Radio 5 Live: “I was in bed and heard ‘beep, beep, beep’ and thought, ‘I’ll get up and run downstairs as quickly as I could’.
“I thought it might be a car alarm outside and saw the glow through the windows.
“I’m getting covered in ash, that’s how bad it is. I’m 100 metres away and I’m absolutely covered in ash.
“It’s so heartbreaking, I’ve seen someone flashing their torches at the top level and they obviously can’t get out.
“The guys are doing an incredible job to try and get people out that building, but it’s truly awful.”
A resident of a nearby building watches the fire (Photo: PA)
Kensington and Chelsea Council statement on fire
Kensington and Chelsea Council has released a statement on the fire.
It said that at “present all our focus is on supporting the rescue and relief operation”.
The statement adds that the “cause of the fire will be fully investigated”.
Firefighters help woman who collapsed near scene
Firefighters are tending to a woman who collapsed near cordon around the tower block.
The incident occurred at the Verity Estate nearby.
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines wrote on Twitter: “A woman collapsed to the ground and the firefighters are with her now.”
Witness says '10 to 15 people killed' in fire
A witness has told Sky News that he understands at least 10 to 15 people have died in the blaze.
He said he believes that 10 people jumped in a desperate bid to escape.
Earlier, London Fire Brigade confirmed that multiple people had died.
Officials have not yet said how many people are confirmed dead.
Kensington and Chelsea Council statement on fire
Kensington and Chelsea Council has released a statement on the fire.
It said that at “present all our focus is on supporting the rescue and relief operation”.
The statement adds that the “cause of the fire will be fully investigated”.
Firefighters help woman who collapsed near scene
Firefighters are tending to a woman who collapsed near cordon around the tower block.
The incident occurred at the Verity Estate nearby.
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines wrote on Twitter: “A woman collapsed to the ground and the firefighters are with her now.”
Witness says '10 to 15 people killed' in fire
A witness has told Sky News that he understands at least 10 to 15 people have died in the blaze.
He said he believes that 10 people jumped in a desperate bid to escape.
Earlier, London Fire Brigade confirmed that multiple people had died.
Officials have not yet said how many people are confirmed dead.
Firefighters shield themselves from falling debris (Photo: SWNS.com)
Community opens doors to help evacuees
The north Kensington community has opened its doors to evacuees and is encouraging Londoners to help.
The Rugby Portobello Trust is gathering supplies for those affected by the fire and taking in people who need shelter or support.
Joe Walsh, 58, threw open the doors of his Maxilla club shortly before 2am when the scale of the disaster became apparent.
Inside, those who lived nearby huddled around a TV in the bar, anxiously asking after friends they had yet to hear from.
Community opens doors to help evacuees
The north Kensington community has opened its doors to evacuees and is encouraging Londoners to help.
The Rugby Portobello Trust is gathering supplies for those affected by the fire and taking in people who need shelter or support.
Joe Walsh, 58, threw open the doors of his Maxilla club shortly before 2am when the scale of the disaster became apparent.
Inside, those who lived nearby huddled around a TV in the bar, anxiously asking after friends they had yet to hear from.
Local residents look on (Photo: AFP)
Mr Walsh said: “I got the call just before two o’clock and opened the club straight away. My reaction was to just open up for people to have tea and coffee - there are hundreds of flats here and people with nowhere to go.”
By late morning, tables were overflowing with bottles of water, food, sweets and clothing.
Mr Walsh said: “We have had people coming in and out, now people have started bringing clothes.
“We have had people here in just their pyjamas and their dressing gowns.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan says questions must be answered
London Mayor Sadiq Khan told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It’s very distressing, not just for those of us watching as lay people, but also very distressing for the emergency services.
“We declared a major incident very early, which meant not just the fire service but also the London Ambulance Service, the police and the others were involved at the scene.”
Pressed on reports that residents had been advised to stay inside their flats in the event of a fire, Mr Khan said: “Thankfully, residents didn’t stay in their flats and fled to safety.
“One of the concerns that we have is it’s a 24-storey building but for obvious reasons, with the scale of the fire, our experts weren’t able to reach all the way to the top, so of course these are questions that need to be answered as soon as possible.”
Burning debris rains down on homes, playing fields
Burning debris, including the building’s cladding, and ash has rained down on homes, children’s playgrounds and streets throughout the morning.
Ann Waters lives in a house at the foot of the tower and was forced to flee her home when the debris began to fall.
The 57-year-old said: “It was the screaming that was the worst and I could hear that from the ground, all I could hear was ‘help, help, help’.
Mr Walsh said: “I got the call just before two o’clock and opened the club straight away. My reaction was to just open up for people to have tea and coffee - there are hundreds of flats here and people with nowhere to go.”
By late morning, tables were overflowing with bottles of water, food, sweets and clothing.
Mr Walsh said: “We have had people coming in and out, now people have started bringing clothes.
“We have had people here in just their pyjamas and their dressing gowns.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan says questions must be answered
London Mayor Sadiq Khan told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It’s very distressing, not just for those of us watching as lay people, but also very distressing for the emergency services.
“We declared a major incident very early, which meant not just the fire service but also the London Ambulance Service, the police and the others were involved at the scene.”
Pressed on reports that residents had been advised to stay inside their flats in the event of a fire, Mr Khan said: “Thankfully, residents didn’t stay in their flats and fled to safety.
“One of the concerns that we have is it’s a 24-storey building but for obvious reasons, with the scale of the fire, our experts weren’t able to reach all the way to the top, so of course these are questions that need to be answered as soon as possible.”
Burning debris rains down on homes, playing fields
Burning debris, including the building’s cladding, and ash has rained down on homes, children’s playgrounds and streets throughout the morning.
Ann Waters lives in a house at the foot of the tower and was forced to flee her home when the debris began to fall.
The 57-year-old said: “It was the screaming that was the worst and I could hear that from the ground, all I could hear was ‘help, help, help’.
Firefighters stand amid debris in a children's playground (Photo: REUTERS)
“I was watching TV in bed and I could smell smoke and then I heard a fire engine and I jumped up.
“I went to my back bedroom, I thought if something was on fire I would see, and I was just speechless, the guy next door was screaming at people to get out of the building.
“I was watching TV in bed and I could smell smoke and then I heard a fire engine and I jumped up.
“I went to my back bedroom, I thought if something was on fire I would see, and I was just speechless, the guy next door was screaming at people to get out of the building.
The base of the tower this morning (Photo: SWNS.com)
Photo shows block's destroyed upper floors
This is the latest photo of the fire-ravaged tower block.
The fire flared up last hour, sending a new cloud of black smoke over London.
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines said he hasn’t seen any flames for about 10 minutes from his vantage point and the smoke is grey again.
Children seen waving from upper floor windows
Young children were seen waving for help from upper floor windows.
An eyewitness, identified as Mo, 33, said he saw boys and girls waving from the windows screaming for their mums and dads.
Mo, who did not want to give his last name, said: “I saw little kids who were waving out the window thinking Superman or someone was going to save them.
“They were calling for help, screaming mummy and daddy, help help help.”
He added” “I never saw them get rescued. This was at about 1am.”
Photo shows block's destroyed upper floors
This is the latest photo of the fire-ravaged tower block.
The fire flared up last hour, sending a new cloud of black smoke over London.
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines said he hasn’t seen any flames for about 10 minutes from his vantage point and the smoke is grey again.
Children seen waving from upper floor windows
Young children were seen waving for help from upper floor windows.
An eyewitness, identified as Mo, 33, said he saw boys and girls waving from the windows screaming for their mums and dads.
Mo, who did not want to give his last name, said: “I saw little kids who were waving out the window thinking Superman or someone was going to save them.
“They were calling for help, screaming mummy and daddy, help help help.”
He added” “I never saw them get rescued. This was at about 1am.”
The fire broke out shortly before 1am (Photo: Rex Features)
Tia Abrahams, 18, watched as fire fighters dragged people from the block while children were banging on the windows.
She said: “I saw fire fighters escorting people outside while there were children, toddlers, calling for help out the window.
“They were banging on the windows, young and old people.
“I ran down to try and help but the whole tower block was on fire, it spread so quickly.
“I was scared and it was so bad.
“At one point when the fire was at its worst there was a man screaming and then he suddenly stopped.
“That was the worst bit for me, these people were on the top floor.”
Singer questions fire safety measures
Singer Cerys Matthews, who lives nearby, said she was woken by a helicopter.
The Catatonia star told BBC Radio 5 live: “The flames ripped up the side of the building along this cladding which clads every single side of the building.”
She went on: “What we’re hearing is that nobody heard any alarms; that there was one exit and this is a 24-storey building. Young families, they were advised the stay put if a fire was going to break out.
“The most chilling thing is that the residents have had an action group for many years.”
She said: “People are just so shaken. It’s devastating. This is 2017. How can we not have had these high-density buildings safeguarded for this kind of major, major incident?
“This is London. This is the UK. This is the first world. “The residents have been crying out for years, saying this is not safe. How can we have accepted that?”
No fire alarm in building, says resident
A man who lived on the 17th floor of the block, identified as Methrob, told LBC Radio that there was no fire alarm in the building.
He said he was alerted to danger when he heard sirens approaching.
He added: “There was no fire alarm in the building, we don’t have an integrated fire alarm system.
“I went outside my house and I could smell the smoke. I looked out my window, I leaned over and I could see the fire blazing up.”
He woke up his aunt, warned neighbours and then escaped the building as fast as he could.
Tia Abrahams, 18, watched as fire fighters dragged people from the block while children were banging on the windows.
She said: “I saw fire fighters escorting people outside while there were children, toddlers, calling for help out the window.
“They were banging on the windows, young and old people.
“I ran down to try and help but the whole tower block was on fire, it spread so quickly.
“I was scared and it was so bad.
“At one point when the fire was at its worst there was a man screaming and then he suddenly stopped.
“That was the worst bit for me, these people were on the top floor.”
Singer questions fire safety measures
Singer Cerys Matthews, who lives nearby, said she was woken by a helicopter.
The Catatonia star told BBC Radio 5 live: “The flames ripped up the side of the building along this cladding which clads every single side of the building.”
She went on: “What we’re hearing is that nobody heard any alarms; that there was one exit and this is a 24-storey building. Young families, they were advised the stay put if a fire was going to break out.
“The most chilling thing is that the residents have had an action group for many years.”
She said: “People are just so shaken. It’s devastating. This is 2017. How can we not have had these high-density buildings safeguarded for this kind of major, major incident?
“This is London. This is the UK. This is the first world. “The residents have been crying out for years, saying this is not safe. How can we have accepted that?”
No fire alarm in building, says resident
A man who lived on the 17th floor of the block, identified as Methrob, told LBC Radio that there was no fire alarm in the building.
He said he was alerted to danger when he heard sirens approaching.
He added: “There was no fire alarm in the building, we don’t have an integrated fire alarm system.
“I went outside my house and I could smell the smoke. I looked out my window, I leaned over and I could see the fire blazing up.”
He woke up his aunt, warned neighbours and then escaped the building as fast as he could.
Firefighters try to put out the blaze (Photo: Rex Features)
He said: “By the time that we got downstairs, the fire had gone all the way up and it was just about reaching our windows on the 17th floor.
“The whole one side of the building was on fire. The cladding went up like a matchstick.”
Methrob said residents had been concerned about safety, adding that there had been warning “for over a year”.
He said one man was “trying to get everyone to get together to do something before it was too late”.
Debris falling from tower as fire flares up
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines says the fire has flared up on the south side of the tower and debris is falling from about 19 floors up.
He reported on Twitter: “From my vantage point on the south east side I can see flames on three different floors. Fires starting in different flats at any moment.
“Huge blaze broken out on south side. Bits of building falling off. About 19 floors up.”
Residents were 'throwing kids out of windows' to safety
A witness has described the terrifying scenes as people tried to escape the blaze.
The witness, Samira, told BBC News: “Around midnight the fire was only around the third floor and then, before you know it, the whole 23 floors of the building were all on fire and there were people screaming for help and throwing kids out.
“I think everyone felt really helpless because no-one could get to them. Everyone was really scared and they didn’t know what to do and it was really sad to see.
“There was a lot of people there - children, elderly people and disabled people; my family members, who thankfully made it out. But there are still a lot of people who are unaccounted for.”
He said: “By the time that we got downstairs, the fire had gone all the way up and it was just about reaching our windows on the 17th floor.
“The whole one side of the building was on fire. The cladding went up like a matchstick.”
Methrob said residents had been concerned about safety, adding that there had been warning “for over a year”.
He said one man was “trying to get everyone to get together to do something before it was too late”.
Debris falling from tower as fire flares up
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines says the fire has flared up on the south side of the tower and debris is falling from about 19 floors up.
He reported on Twitter: “From my vantage point on the south east side I can see flames on three different floors. Fires starting in different flats at any moment.
“Huge blaze broken out on south side. Bits of building falling off. About 19 floors up.”
Residents were 'throwing kids out of windows' to safety
A witness has described the terrifying scenes as people tried to escape the blaze.
The witness, Samira, told BBC News: “Around midnight the fire was only around the third floor and then, before you know it, the whole 23 floors of the building were all on fire and there were people screaming for help and throwing kids out.
“I think everyone felt really helpless because no-one could get to them. Everyone was really scared and they didn’t know what to do and it was really sad to see.
“There was a lot of people there - children, elderly people and disabled people; my family members, who thankfully made it out. But there are still a lot of people who are unaccounted for.”
The scene after daylight (Photo: PA)
Eyewitness video of inferno
The scale of the fire was captured in photos and video clips posted on social media by witnesses.
As the fire burned out of control on most floors, one witness who captured video wrote on Twitter: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this.
“Those poor people.”
Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn offers support
Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn has offered his support to those affected by the fire.
He wrote on Twitter: “Devastated to see what’s happened at Grenfell Tower. My thoughts are with those affected.
“Thank you to our firefighters & emergency services.”
Latest photos from the scene
Firefighters are still battling the fire as black smoke billows from the top floors of the tower.
Residents who made it out during the evacuation are gathering at a community centre and other nearby places.
Here are some of the latest images from the scene:
Eyewitness video of inferno
The scale of the fire was captured in photos and video clips posted on social media by witnesses.
As the fire burned out of control on most floors, one witness who captured video wrote on Twitter: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this.
“Those poor people.”
Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn offers support
Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn has offered his support to those affected by the fire.
He wrote on Twitter: “Devastated to see what’s happened at Grenfell Tower. My thoughts are with those affected.
“Thank you to our firefighters & emergency services.”
Latest photos from the scene
Firefighters are still battling the fire as black smoke billows from the top floors of the tower.
Residents who made it out during the evacuation are gathering at a community centre and other nearby places.
Here are some of the latest images from the scene:
Debris falls from the burning building (Photo: Rex Features)
A police officer helps a person at the scene (Photo: REUTERS)
Local residents gather as crews battle the fire (Photo: REUTERS)
Residents still trapped inside smoke-filled flats
Photos from the scene show a resident still trapped inside a smoke-filled flat in daylight this morning.
The image shows a person standing at a window as smoke billows out of the flat.
It was not known if the person had been rescued since the photos were taken.
Residents still trapped inside smoke-filled flats
Photos from the scene show a resident still trapped inside a smoke-filled flat in daylight this morning.
The image shows a person standing at a window as smoke billows out of the flat.
It was not known if the person had been rescued since the photos were taken.
A resident of Grenfell Tower is trapped (Photo: AFP)
A resident (circled) stands at a window (Photo: PA)
Smoke 'getting heavier' as fire brigade battles flames
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines, who is at the scene, says the smoke is “getting heavier” as it rises into the sky.
One resident who lived on the seventh floor told him it was like “a bonfire” at the height of the blaze.
The man, who escaped with his daughter, said the fire was so intense it was “like petrol being poured over it”.
Probe of deadly fire's cause 'will take some time'
Met Police say it will likely “take some time” before they can confirm the cause of the fire.
Commander Stuart Cundy said in a statement: “All the emergency services and other agencies continue to work together at the scene.
“I can confirm there have been a number of fatalities and others receiving medical care. We will be soon making contact with next of kin.”
People concerned about loved ones should call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233.
Police have asked people to stay away from the area, as there is a large cordon in place and the A40 is closed in both directions.
Smoke 'getting heavier' as fire brigade battles flames
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines, who is at the scene, says the smoke is “getting heavier” as it rises into the sky.
One resident who lived on the seventh floor told him it was like “a bonfire” at the height of the blaze.
The man, who escaped with his daughter, said the fire was so intense it was “like petrol being poured over it”.
Probe of deadly fire's cause 'will take some time'
Met Police say it will likely “take some time” before they can confirm the cause of the fire.
Commander Stuart Cundy said in a statement: “All the emergency services and other agencies continue to work together at the scene.
“I can confirm there have been a number of fatalities and others receiving medical care. We will be soon making contact with next of kin.”
People concerned about loved ones should call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233.
Police have asked people to stay away from the area, as there is a large cordon in place and the A40 is closed in both directions.
Smoke billows from the building this morning (Photo: AFP)
What we know so far about tower block inferno
Here is what we know so far about the blaze:
London Fire Brigade confirmed “a number of fatalities”, but has not yet revealed how many people were killed.
London Ambulance Service says more than 50 patients were taken to five hospitals.
A casualty bureau has been set up for anyone concerned about friends and family on 0800 0961 233.
What we know so far about tower block inferno
Here is what we know so far about the blaze:
London Fire Brigade confirmed “a number of fatalities”, but has not yet revealed how many people were killed.
London Ambulance Service says more than 50 patients were taken to five hospitals.
A casualty bureau has been set up for anyone concerned about friends and family on 0800 0961 233.
Flames spread throughout the tower (Photo: AFP)
Fire officials say the cause of the blaze is not known at this stage.
Firefighters were called to the Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, north Kensington, at 12:54am, with many residents trapped inside.
Witness reported seeing residents jump out of windows or use ropes made from knotted bedsheets in a desperate bid to escape.
Fire officials say the cause of the blaze is not known at this stage.
Firefighters were called to the Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, north Kensington, at 12:54am, with many residents trapped inside.
Witness reported seeing residents jump out of windows or use ropes made from knotted bedsheets in a desperate bid to escape.
Residents hang bedsheets out of their windows
The fire spread between the second and top floors of the block as fiery debris rained down outside.
Hundreds of emergency services personnel, including more than 200 firefighters, were at the scene.
Thirty adjacent flats have been evacuated by police.
The fire spread between the second and top floors of the block as fiery debris rained down outside.
Hundreds of emergency services personnel, including more than 200 firefighters, were at the scene.
Thirty adjacent flats have been evacuated by police.
Smoke rises into the sky as the fire continued to burn this morning (Photo: AFP)
Mayor Sadiq Khan said the fire has been declared a “major incident”.
Grenfell Tower was built in 1974 and contains 120 homes.
The building was upgraded at a cost of £8.6 million with work finishing in May 2016.
Residents had complained about fire safety and conditions at the building in the past.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said the fire has been declared a “major incident”.
Grenfell Tower was built in 1974 and contains 120 homes.
The building was upgraded at a cost of £8.6 million with work finishing in May 2016.
Residents had complained about fire safety and conditions at the building in the past.
More than 200 firefighters were called to the scene (Photo: EPA)
Tower block underwent £8.7m refurbishment
The tower block was recently refurbished at a cost of £8.7m, with work completed in May 2016.
The exterior of the 1970s-built tower was “modernised” with cladding and replacement windows, while additional homes were added using vacant space in the building, according to Rydon Construction.
Debris, including cladding, fell from the upper floors as the fire consumed the tower.
Worried family wait for news on loved ones
A number of worried people have arrived at the scene after being unable to contact loved ones who live in the building.
One woman told a reporter she was unable to find her father-in-law and is still looking for him.
She said the family will “just hope and pray” that he is OK.
Kensington residents offer help to residents
Kensington residents are offering help to residents who have been affected by the fire.
There have been offers of shelter, clothing, food and other necessities this morning.
The Grand Tour presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who has a home in the area, encouraged fellow residents to help.
He wrote on Twitter: “People of Kensington. Remember to give what you can spare - clothes etc - to those made homeless by that terrible fire.”
Residents blame fridge for massive blaze
Residents have told reporters at the scene that they suspect a faulty fridge was to blame for the fire.
However, the London Fire Brigade says the cause of the blaze is still not known at this stage.
Residents still trapped in their flats as fire burns
Witnesses at the scene say some residents are still trapped in their flats as the fire continues to burn in parts of the tower.
Video posted on Twitter shows people on the ground yelling at someone in a flat on the seventh or 11th floor.
Flames are visible on several floors.
Resident 'fell from window' as people were trapped inside
There were terrifying scenes as residents tried to escape the tower block and flaming debris rained down.
One witness who got to the scene as the first fire engine arrived said they saw one person fall out of a window and a trapped woman holding her baby out of another window.
Jody Martin told BBC News: “I eventually gained entry onto the second floor, and once I got to the corridor I realised there was so much smoke there.
“I watched one person falling out, I watched another woman holding her baby out the window... hearing screams, I was yelling everyone to get down and they were saying ‘We can’t leave our apartments, the smoke is too bad on the corridors’.”
Tower block underwent £8.7m refurbishment
The tower block was recently refurbished at a cost of £8.7m, with work completed in May 2016.
The exterior of the 1970s-built tower was “modernised” with cladding and replacement windows, while additional homes were added using vacant space in the building, according to Rydon Construction.
Debris, including cladding, fell from the upper floors as the fire consumed the tower.
Worried family wait for news on loved ones
A number of worried people have arrived at the scene after being unable to contact loved ones who live in the building.
One woman told a reporter she was unable to find her father-in-law and is still looking for him.
She said the family will “just hope and pray” that he is OK.
Kensington residents offer help to residents
Kensington residents are offering help to residents who have been affected by the fire.
There have been offers of shelter, clothing, food and other necessities this morning.
The Grand Tour presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who has a home in the area, encouraged fellow residents to help.
He wrote on Twitter: “People of Kensington. Remember to give what you can spare - clothes etc - to those made homeless by that terrible fire.”
Residents blame fridge for massive blaze
Residents have told reporters at the scene that they suspect a faulty fridge was to blame for the fire.
However, the London Fire Brigade says the cause of the blaze is still not known at this stage.
Residents still trapped in their flats as fire burns
Witnesses at the scene say some residents are still trapped in their flats as the fire continues to burn in parts of the tower.
Video posted on Twitter shows people on the ground yelling at someone in a flat on the seventh or 11th floor.
Flames are visible on several floors.
Resident 'fell from window' as people were trapped inside
There were terrifying scenes as residents tried to escape the tower block and flaming debris rained down.
One witness who got to the scene as the first fire engine arrived said they saw one person fall out of a window and a trapped woman holding her baby out of another window.
Jody Martin told BBC News: “I eventually gained entry onto the second floor, and once I got to the corridor I realised there was so much smoke there.
“I watched one person falling out, I watched another woman holding her baby out the window... hearing screams, I was yelling everyone to get down and they were saying ‘We can’t leave our apartments, the smoke is too bad on the corridors’.”
Flames went from the second floor to the top floor (Photo: AFP)
Low water pressure as crews battle inferno
Thames Water says customers in the W10 area may experience low water pressure this morning.
The utility wrote on its website: “This is due to a 40 pump fire on Lancaster West Estate with over 200 fire fighters in attendance.
“We are assisting the fire fighters so they are able to extinguish the major fire at this location. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
'This is a Third World-type accident'
The block’s managers will face difficult questions in the coming hours and days over fire safety and planning, and building materials.
One respected figure called the inferno a “Third World-type accident”.
Jon Hall, managing director of Resilience Advisors, wrote on Twitter: “This is a Third-World type accident that represents a failure of every component of fire safety & building management. No words for this...”
He added: “How can this possibly happen in 2017? Sadness and so many professional questions. What on Earth happened to the protected means of escape!”
Harrowing footage shows residents using bedsheets in bid to escape
Terrified residents made ropes by tying blankets or bedsheets together in a desperate bid to escape the burning building.
Harrowing footage shows trapped residents hanging the ropes out of their windows several storeys up as flames and debris rain down another side of the building.
Emergency number set up for loved ones
An emergency number has been set up for people who are concerned for loved ones who live in the building.
Those people can call the Casualty Bureau at 0800 0961 233.
Residents who escaped have expressed fears that people may still be trapped in the building, but emergency services have not confirmed whether people are still waiting to be rescued.
Grenfell Tower residents warned of 'catastrophic event'
Residents had issued a chilling warning about fire safety just months before this morning’s blaze, it has emerged.
In a series of blog posts since 2013, a residents’ group called the Grenfell Action Group repeatedly criticised Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) - the company which manages the tower block - over its fire safety record.
Low water pressure as crews battle inferno
Thames Water says customers in the W10 area may experience low water pressure this morning.
The utility wrote on its website: “This is due to a 40 pump fire on Lancaster West Estate with over 200 fire fighters in attendance.
“We are assisting the fire fighters so they are able to extinguish the major fire at this location. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
'This is a Third World-type accident'
The block’s managers will face difficult questions in the coming hours and days over fire safety and planning, and building materials.
One respected figure called the inferno a “Third World-type accident”.
Jon Hall, managing director of Resilience Advisors, wrote on Twitter: “This is a Third-World type accident that represents a failure of every component of fire safety & building management. No words for this...”
He added: “How can this possibly happen in 2017? Sadness and so many professional questions. What on Earth happened to the protected means of escape!”
Harrowing footage shows residents using bedsheets in bid to escape
Terrified residents made ropes by tying blankets or bedsheets together in a desperate bid to escape the burning building.
Harrowing footage shows trapped residents hanging the ropes out of their windows several storeys up as flames and debris rain down another side of the building.
Emergency number set up for loved ones
An emergency number has been set up for people who are concerned for loved ones who live in the building.
Those people can call the Casualty Bureau at 0800 0961 233.
Residents who escaped have expressed fears that people may still be trapped in the building, but emergency services have not confirmed whether people are still waiting to be rescued.
Grenfell Tower residents warned of 'catastrophic event'
Residents had issued a chilling warning about fire safety just months before this morning’s blaze, it has emerged.
In a series of blog posts since 2013, a residents’ group called the Grenfell Action Group repeatedly criticised Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) - the company which manages the tower block - over its fire safety record.
Emergency services at the scene earlier this morning (Photo: SWNS.com)
Residents evacuated from neighbouring flats
About 30 adjacent flats have been evacuated by police, the London Fire Brigade says.
A large cordon is in place around the inferno.
There are fears that people may still be trapped inside the tower.
Scorched cladding continues to fall from several storeys up.
Residents evacuated from neighbouring flats
About 30 adjacent flats have been evacuated by police, the London Fire Brigade says.
A large cordon is in place around the inferno.
There are fears that people may still be trapped inside the tower.
Scorched cladding continues to fall from several storeys up.
The fire continues to burn (Photo: AFP)
Cause of massive fire is 'not known'
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson says the cause of the fire is “not known at this stage”.
Smoke continues to billow into the sky as the fire continues to burn in parts of the tower block.
The spokesperson says the fire is from the second floor to the top floor of the 24-storey building.
Forty fire engines and more than 200 firefighters and officers were called to the scene.
Assistant Commissioner Dan Daly said: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are working extremely hard in very difficult conditions to tackle this fire. This is a large and very serious incident and we have deployed numerous resources and specialist appliances.“
'Thirty patients taken to five hospitals so far'
Thirty patients have been taken to five hospitals so far, the ambulance service has said.
'Several hundred people in tower block at time'
Kensington and Chelsea Council leader Nick Paget-Brown described the blaze as a “very, very severe fire”.
He told Sky News: “Clearly it’s an absolutely devastating fire.
“Several hundred would have been in there. It’s a question of establishing how many people were in there at the time of the fire.
“I’m really not in any position to answer any questions about the structure.
“Clearly there’s a lot more work to do to evacuate the building and to establish how safe it is.”
'Hero firemen climbed stairs in bid to save people'
Mirror reporter Andy Lines is now on the scene in west London
Eye witness saying how firemen were going up the stairs into the inferno to try and save people.
He said they carried one severely disabled woman to safety.
Local cllr breaks down in tears saying official advice was if a fire broke out was for residents to stay inside their flats and shut doors.Another huge test for emergency services
Cause of massive fire is 'not known'
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson says the cause of the fire is “not known at this stage”.
Smoke continues to billow into the sky as the fire continues to burn in parts of the tower block.
The spokesperson says the fire is from the second floor to the top floor of the 24-storey building.
Forty fire engines and more than 200 firefighters and officers were called to the scene.
Assistant Commissioner Dan Daly said: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are working extremely hard in very difficult conditions to tackle this fire. This is a large and very serious incident and we have deployed numerous resources and specialist appliances.“
'Thirty patients taken to five hospitals so far'
Thirty patients have been taken to five hospitals so far, the ambulance service has said.
'Several hundred people in tower block at time'
Kensington and Chelsea Council leader Nick Paget-Brown described the blaze as a “very, very severe fire”.
He told Sky News: “Clearly it’s an absolutely devastating fire.
“Several hundred would have been in there. It’s a question of establishing how many people were in there at the time of the fire.
“I’m really not in any position to answer any questions about the structure.
“Clearly there’s a lot more work to do to evacuate the building and to establish how safe it is.”
'Hero firemen climbed stairs in bid to save people'
Mirror reporter Andy Lines is now on the scene in west London
Eye witness saying how firemen were going up the stairs into the inferno to try and save people.
He said they carried one severely disabled woman to safety.
Local cllr breaks down in tears saying official advice was if a fire broke out was for residents to stay inside their flats and shut doors.Another huge test for emergency services
(Photo: AFP)
The fire has been declared a ‘major incident’ and it is another test for our emergency services days after the terror attack in London Bridge.
Hundreds of firefighters, paramedics and police officers are at the scene.
The fire has been declared a ‘major incident’ and it is another test for our emergency services days after the terror attack in London Bridge.
Hundreds of firefighters, paramedics and police officers are at the scene.
(Photo: AFP)
(Photo: AFP)
Astonishing images of disaster as 20 ambulance crews on scene
Astonishing images of disaster as 20 ambulance crews on scene
Grenfell tower block blaze (Photo: London News Pictures Ltd)
More astonishing images are coming to us now from the disaster in west London.
We still don’t have any idea on the number of injuries or their nature, but there have been reports of people jumping from the tower.
Stuart Crighton, London Ambulance Service assistant director of operations, said: “We have sent a number of resources to the scene including our hazardous area response team and over 20 ambulance crews.
“Our priority (is) to get people to safety and ensure they receive the medical help as quickly as possible.
“Our initial priority is to assess the level and nature of injuries and ensure those in the most need are treated first and taken to hospital.”
More astonishing images are coming to us now from the disaster in west London.
We still don’t have any idea on the number of injuries or their nature, but there have been reports of people jumping from the tower.
Stuart Crighton, London Ambulance Service assistant director of operations, said: “We have sent a number of resources to the scene including our hazardous area response team and over 20 ambulance crews.
“Our priority (is) to get people to safety and ensure they receive the medical help as quickly as possible.
“Our initial priority is to assess the level and nature of injuries and ensure those in the most need are treated first and taken to hospital.”
Grenfell tower block fire (Photo: REUTERS)
(Photo: Sky News)
(Photo: Sky News)
'I can see people trapped inside'
ITV reporter Jonathan Swain who is at the scene says he can still see people trapped inside the tower block “waving for help”.
'We can't leave our apartments, the smoke is too bad'
Jody Martin said he got to the scene as the first fire engine was arriving at Grenfell Tower.
He told the BBC: “I grabbed an axe from the fire truck, it looked like there was a bit of confusion about what to do.
“I ran around the building looking for a fire escape and couldn’t see any noticeable fire escapes around the building. A lot of debris falling down.
“I eventually gained entry onto the second floor, and once I got to the corridor I realised there was so much smoke there.”
He added that given the thickness of the smoke, he would be surprised if anyone could have left the building without assistance.
“I watched one person falling out, I watched another woman holding her baby out the window ... hearing screams, I was yelling everyone to get down and they were saying, ‘We can’t leave our apartments, the smoke is too bad on the corridors’,” he said.
Daytime pictures of the tower block blaze
(Photo: Sky News)
The tower bock continues to send huge plumes of smoke across London this morning now dawn has broken.
Firefighters, police and the ambulance service remain on the scene.
Transport for London said there was no service between Hammersmith and Edgware Road on the Circle and Hammersmith and City lines, while the police said the A40 was closed in both directions, owing to the fire.
The tower bock continues to send huge plumes of smoke across London this morning now dawn has broken.
Firefighters, police and the ambulance service remain on the scene.
Transport for London said there was no service between Hammersmith and Edgware Road on the Circle and Hammersmith and City lines, while the police said the A40 was closed in both directions, owing to the fire.
(Photo: Sky News)
(Photo: REUTERS)
Tower block was undergoing £10million refurbishment
The tower block engulfed in flames overnight was in the middle of a £10million refurbishment.
The leaders of Kensington and Chelsea Council Nick Paget-Brown and deputy leader Rock Feilding-Mellen visited Grenfell Tower on the Lancaster West Estate to see the transformation themselves last May.
Funded by the council as part of a wider £67m investment of the area, the wide-ranging improvements included the installation of insulated exterior cladding, new double-glazed windows and a new communal heating system.
Resident says neighbour told him 'fridge exploded sparking fire'
A resident of Grenfell Tower has told Sky News his neighbour’s ‘fridge exploded’ sparking the fire.
Tower block contains 120 homes
The Grenfell Tower was built in 1974 and contains 120 homes, according to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
'Major incident' declared
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said a ‘major incident’ has been declared in North Kensington.
George Osborne tweets image of tower block fire
Former Chancellor George Osborne has tweeted an image of the tower block fire which is near his home in London.
He offered his “prayers for those affected and the heroes tackling it”.
PICTURES: Tower block engulfed in flames
Tower block was undergoing £10million refurbishment
The tower block engulfed in flames overnight was in the middle of a £10million refurbishment.
The leaders of Kensington and Chelsea Council Nick Paget-Brown and deputy leader Rock Feilding-Mellen visited Grenfell Tower on the Lancaster West Estate to see the transformation themselves last May.
Funded by the council as part of a wider £67m investment of the area, the wide-ranging improvements included the installation of insulated exterior cladding, new double-glazed windows and a new communal heating system.
Resident says neighbour told him 'fridge exploded sparking fire'
A resident of Grenfell Tower has told Sky News his neighbour’s ‘fridge exploded’ sparking the fire.
Tower block contains 120 homes
The Grenfell Tower was built in 1974 and contains 120 homes, according to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
'Major incident' declared
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said a ‘major incident’ has been declared in North Kensington.
George Osborne tweets image of tower block fire
Former Chancellor George Osborne has tweeted an image of the tower block fire which is near his home in London.
He offered his “prayers for those affected and the heroes tackling it”.
PICTURES: Tower block engulfed in flames
(Photo: AFP)
(Photo: REUTERS)
Fresh images show just the devastating scale of the fire at the Grenfell Tower block.
It is almost entirely ablaze from top to bottom.
Firefighters have just moved everyone at the scene a considerable distance back and put up a cordon.
There have to be serious fears that the building will collapse.
(Photo: AFP)
(Photo: REUTERS)
Some Residents flash their lights to attract attention. A number of videos have emerged from the scene.
Some appear to capture people screaming for help while one showed people using bedsheets tied together in a bid to escape.
This footage appears to show people flashing their lights to attract attention.
'Number of ambulance resources at scene'
The London Ambulance Service has confirmed it has a number of resources at the scene.
Some Residents flash their lights to attract attention. A number of videos have emerged from the scene.
Some appear to capture people screaming for help while one showed people using bedsheets tied together in a bid to escape.
This footage appears to show people flashing their lights to attract attention.
'Number of ambulance resources at scene'
The London Ambulance Service has confirmed it has a number of resources at the scene.
'Large and very serious incident' - Fire Brigade
London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Dan Daly said: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are working extremely hard in very difficult conditions to tackle this fire.
“This is a large and very serious incident and we have deployed numerous resources and specialist appliances.”
Fears building will collapse. Actor and writer Tim Downie, who lives around 600 metres from the scene in Latimer Road, told the Press Association he feared the block could collapse.
He said: “It’s horrendous. The whole building is engulfed in flames. It’s gone. It’s just a matter of time before this building collapses.
“I just hope they have got everyone out. “The first I knew was the noise of sirens, helicopters and shouting. I saw it engulfed in flames.
“People have been bringing water, clothes, anything they’ve got to help, out to the cordon.
“I have seen people coming out in their bedclothes - it’s just very distressing.”
Reports of people trapped at horror tower block fire in London
Residents continue to be evacuated from the tower block fire in #NorthKensington. A number of people being treated for a range of injuries.
More than 200 firefighters are tackling a massive blaze at a block of flats in London, with reports of people are trapped in their homes.
Forty engines were called to the 24-storey Grenfell Tower at just after 1.15am on Wednesday, on the Lancaster West Estate, north Kensington.
Police said a “number of people are being treated for a range of injuries”, including two for smoke inhalation, as pictures from the scene showed flames engulfing most of the block.
Residents are continuing to be evacuated from the tower block, the Metropolitan Police said.
Fire crews from north Kensington, Kensington, Hammersmith and Paddington and surrounding stations were at the scene.
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, London Fire Brigade said.
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