London’s Metropolitan Police have confirmed six deaths following a huge blaze that’s engulfed a residential apartment block in West London. The number is expected to rise and the recovery operation is expected to be complicated and lengthy. Follow here for live updates.
Main developments
- Police have confirmed six fatalities following the fire, with the figure expected to rise
- 74 people have been treated at hospital, 20 are in critical condition
- Recovery operation ‘very complex and potentially lengthy’
- Blaze largely contained but building still smouldering; people still in building
- Residents had raised concerns about building’s safety
- Witnesses saw people jump from tower
- Fire chiefs say “too early to speculate” the cause of the blaze
The fire at Grenfell Tower on the Lancaster West Estate was reported at 00:54 BST and about 200 firefighters are still tackling the blaze.
The Met Police said people were being treated for “a range of injuries”.
The BBC’s Andy Moore said the whole tower block had been alight and there were fears the building might collapse.
More than 40 fire engines have been sent to the tower, and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said a “major incident” had been declared.
At about 04:00 BST police said: “Residents continue to be evacuated from the tower block.”
Eyewitnesses said they have seen lights – thought to be mobile phones or torches – flashing at the top of the block of flats.
Others says residents – thought to be trapped inside – have been seen coming to their windows.