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London fire: Twelve confirmed dead but police expect further fatalities after tower block blaze – latest updates London fire: Twelve confirmed dead but police expect further fatalities after tower block blaze – latest updates
(about 1 hour later)
1.01am BST
01:01
Graham Russell here, taking over the liveblog from Kevin. Amid the continuing uncertainty and heartbreak in west London, residents have shown incredible resilience. In this video, one woman reserves praise for the younger generations in particular. She says: “I am so proud of the young people in this community. They have all come out and brought water, juice, clothes, nappies, everything.”
If you have any updates as we go along, you can find me on Twitter @G_J_Russell
12.50am BST
00:50
Lisa O'Carroll
George Clarke, an architect and TV presenter and a local resident who lives 50 yards from the tower, said the cladding had was “peeling off ... like a banana”.
I walked out the door and I couldn’t believe what I saw. All the way to the top was on fire on the corner. I’m assuming the fire started on the other side, the side I couldn’t see, the east side of the tower.
I’ve never seen a fire spread like that in a building in my life. The biggest problem is the outside. That building was re-clad last summer in 2016, spend £10m on it. I don’t care what anyone says, there’s no way that fire should spread that quickly on a newly refurbished building.
I saw those cladding panels, the cladding on the outside and the insulation was just peeling off, like you’d peel a banana.
It was fully on fire. I could see the flames behind - there’s a new cladding system put on the outsides that looks like a new skin, there’s an air gap an insulation behind that, to me that looks like a fantastic chimney for the fire to rage around.
11.44pm BST11.44pm BST
23:4423:44
Scotland Yard says a 43-year-old man has been arrested over allegations he posted pictures of a Grenfell Tower victim on social media.Scotland Yard says a 43-year-old man has been arrested over allegations he posted pictures of a Grenfell Tower victim on social media.
Images were posted of what appear to be a partially-covered body. The Metropolitan Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of sending malicious communications and obstructing a coroner. Officers confirmed the arrest relates to the fire at Grenfell Tower and the man is in custody at a west London police station.Images were posted of what appear to be a partially-covered body. The Metropolitan Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of sending malicious communications and obstructing a coroner. Officers confirmed the arrest relates to the fire at Grenfell Tower and the man is in custody at a west London police station.
10.37pm BST10.37pm BST
22:3722:37
The charity commission has urged people wanting to help to give to registered charities. Its registrar of charities, David Holdsworth, said:The charity commission has urged people wanting to help to give to registered charities. Its registrar of charities, David Holdsworth, said:
We are saddened to hear of the tragic events in West London. There are many registered charities on the ground doing what they do best to assist those who have been affected. We are urging members of the public that wish to make donations to check that they give to a registered charity in order to best support those affected, and also importantly to check with those charities what support they need – whether that is money, time or other essential supplies.We are saddened to hear of the tragic events in West London. There are many registered charities on the ground doing what they do best to assist those who have been affected. We are urging members of the public that wish to make donations to check that they give to a registered charity in order to best support those affected, and also importantly to check with those charities what support they need – whether that is money, time or other essential supplies.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.38pm BSTat 10.38pm BST
10.34pm BST10.34pm BST
22:3422:34
Companies, individuals and charities have sprung into action to offer help to anyone affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, with crowdfunding pages raising more than £670,000 in less than 24 hours. The Press Association has summarised some of the efforts being made:Companies, individuals and charities have sprung into action to offer help to anyone affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, with crowdfunding pages raising more than £670,000 in less than 24 hours. The Press Association has summarised some of the efforts being made:
CrowdfundingCrowdfunding
An appeal on JustGiving launched by Karolina Hanusova had raised £240,000 by 10pm, while another set up by Hayley Yearwood has generated £312,857.An appeal on JustGiving launched by Karolina Hanusova had raised £240,000 by 10pm, while another set up by Hayley Yearwood has generated £312,857.
A series of pages on GoFundMe had raised a combined fund of more than £170,000.A series of pages on GoFundMe had raised a combined fund of more than £170,000.
Individuals offer up homesIndividuals offer up homes
People used Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to offer accommodation and transport help to those affected.People used Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to offer accommodation and transport help to those affected.
Just called @RBKC and left my details. They are looking for emergency housing. I have offered my place. Do the same if you can #GrenfellJust called @RBKC and left my details. They are looking for emergency housing. I have offered my place. Do the same if you can #Grenfell
Please get in contact.. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️ #grenfelltower #lancaster #westestatePlease get in contact.. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️ #grenfelltower #lancaster #westestate
A post shared by LAMS (@co._lams) on Jun 13, 2017 at 8:36pm PDTA post shared by LAMS (@co._lams) on Jun 13, 2017 at 8:36pm PDT
Local businessesLocal businesses
Businesses at the nearby Notting Dale Village brought trolleys of refreshments including sandwiches and fruit to the emergency services working at the cordons.Businesses at the nearby Notting Dale Village brought trolleys of refreshments including sandwiches and fruit to the emergency services working at the cordons.
The phone company, EE, said people were welcome to use their stores in the local area if they need to contact anyone or use social media.The phone company, EE, said people were welcome to use their stores in the local area if they need to contact anyone or use social media.
And TalkTalk, whose headquarters are on Evesham Street, close to the tower block, said it had thrown open its offices to affected residents in need of refuge.And TalkTalk, whose headquarters are on Evesham Street, close to the tower block, said it had thrown open its offices to affected residents in need of refuge.
Retailer Monsoon, which is based next door, is also offering refreshments to those affected.Retailer Monsoon, which is based next door, is also offering refreshments to those affected.
The London Evening Standard has launched an appeal on a dedicated website dispossessedfund.org.uk.The London Evening Standard has launched an appeal on a dedicated website dispossessedfund.org.uk.
Football clubsFootball clubs
Queens Park Rangers and Fulham rushed to support those left homeless. QPR said it had opened its doors and facilities to those affected by the fire, but also said it could not accept any more donations, while Fulham also helped with the collection drive.Queens Park Rangers and Fulham rushed to support those left homeless. QPR said it had opened its doors and facilities to those affected by the fire, but also said it could not accept any more donations, while Fulham also helped with the collection drive.
9.53pm BST9.53pm BST
21:5321:53
Lisa O'CarrollLisa O'Carroll
Incredible. Fire still visible on 10 floors almost 24 hours after blaze started in Grenfall Tower pic.twitter.com/MZtVvk2LpMIncredible. Fire still visible on 10 floors almost 24 hours after blaze started in Grenfall Tower pic.twitter.com/MZtVvk2LpM
Kensington and Chelsea council has taken charge of operations at the Westway Sports Centre.Westway trust’s head of communications, Alex Russell, said about 10 to 15 families had already availed of the 300 bed emergency shelter they had set up.Kensington and Chelsea council has taken charge of operations at the Westway Sports Centre.Westway trust’s head of communications, Alex Russell, said about 10 to 15 families had already availed of the 300 bed emergency shelter they had set up.
Kensington and Chelsea council also organising bedding at the Town Hall, volunteers have told me. Still seems a bit chaoticKensington and Chelsea council also organising bedding at the Town Hall, volunteers have told me. Still seems a bit chaotic
We are overwhelmed by generosity of community. At this point we ask you to hold off on further donations while we prioritise #grenfelltower pic.twitter.com/9CVubrkfkAWe are overwhelmed by generosity of community. At this point we ask you to hold off on further donations while we prioritise #grenfelltower pic.twitter.com/9CVubrkfkA
The gym converted into emergency shelter for Grenfall Tower disaster pic.twitter.com/fcWX4n9hOkThe gym converted into emergency shelter for Grenfall Tower disaster pic.twitter.com/fcWX4n9hOk
Locals in the shadow of the Grenfall disaster prepare to break the fast at 9.30. pic.twitter.com/h9Rh7FgyJgLocals in the shadow of the Grenfall disaster prepare to break the fast at 9.30. pic.twitter.com/h9Rh7FgyJg
Two ladies who brought toiletries and other goods in lovely gift bags so it would create more dignity. So thoughtful pic.twitter.com/h2ZEYiQNtNTwo ladies who brought toiletries and other goods in lovely gift bags so it would create more dignity. So thoughtful pic.twitter.com/h2ZEYiQNtN
9.06pm BST9.06pm BST
21:0621:06
Lisa O'CarrollLisa O'Carroll
The absence of the council on the street as hundreds of families were homeless was concerning, said Judith Bakeman, a Labour councillor at Kensington and Chelsea. “There’s been so many cuts, there aren’t enough people to deal with this.”The absence of the council on the street as hundreds of families were homeless was concerning, said Judith Bakeman, a Labour councillor at Kensington and Chelsea. “There’s been so many cuts, there aren’t enough people to deal with this.”
Referring to Notting Hill Methodist church’s Rev Mike Long, she said: “Mike has been running this centre giving people food and water all day and not a single person from the council has been here.”Referring to Notting Hill Methodist church’s Rev Mike Long, she said: “Mike has been running this centre giving people food and water all day and not a single person from the council has been here.”
As we spoke, a volunteer from the Harrow Club and Latimer AP Academy came to tell the councillor she had 138 beds available. He said that no one official had been to the centre and he didn’t know what to do with that information.As we spoke, a volunteer from the Harrow Club and Latimer AP Academy came to tell the councillor she had 138 beds available. He said that no one official had been to the centre and he didn’t know what to do with that information.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.07pm BSTat 9.07pm BST
9.04pm BST9.04pm BST
21:0421:04
Dozens of people have gathered for a vigil in the shadow of the Grenfell Tower.Dozens of people have gathered for a vigil in the shadow of the Grenfell Tower.
Many were moved to tears after a moment of silent contemplation outside the Notting Hill Methodist Church in west London.Many were moved to tears after a moment of silent contemplation outside the Notting Hill Methodist Church in west London.
The Rev Mike Long invited those present to light candles to place on the steps of the church on Wednesday evening. He then played Amazing Grace on his flute as members of the crowd sang along. He said:The Rev Mike Long invited those present to light candles to place on the steps of the church on Wednesday evening. He then played Amazing Grace on his flute as members of the crowd sang along. He said:
There are times when all the words we can say are not adequate and sometimes words fail us because no words can do justice to how we feel, or what we have seen or what has happened. Today is one of those days.There are times when all the words we can say are not adequate and sometimes words fail us because no words can do justice to how we feel, or what we have seen or what has happened. Today is one of those days.
What we can simply do is look to all that we have seen today which is good, which is fabulous – people getting together.What we can simply do is look to all that we have seen today which is good, which is fabulous – people getting together.
Let light triumph over all that is rotten, that is desperate and that defies our understanding.Let light triumph over all that is rotten, that is desperate and that defies our understanding.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.07pm BSTat 9.07pm BST
9.00pm BST9.00pm BST
21:0021:00
Here’s the full text of a statement from the prime minister:Here’s the full text of a statement from the prime minister:
I have just received the latest update on the appalling tragedy at Grenfell Tower. Twelve people have been confirmed dead in this terrible fire that has taken place, and sadly, the police expect that number to rise further.I have just received the latest update on the appalling tragedy at Grenfell Tower. Twelve people have been confirmed dead in this terrible fire that has taken place, and sadly, the police expect that number to rise further.
My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all of those who had their homes destroyed. It’s impossible to comprehend the horror of what they’ve been going through.My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all of those who had their homes destroyed. It’s impossible to comprehend the horror of what they’ve been going through.
The response of people living nearby, who have provided help, compassion and support has I think, once again, shown the fantastic spirit of London.The response of people living nearby, who have provided help, compassion and support has I think, once again, shown the fantastic spirit of London.
Earlier today, I ordered a cross-government meeting to ensure that every assistance was being given to manage the emergency service response, and that group will meet again tomorrow.Earlier today, I ordered a cross-government meeting to ensure that every assistance was being given to manage the emergency service response, and that group will meet again tomorrow.
Once again, our emergency services – the fire service, ambulance, NHS and police - have shown incredible bravery, working in truly appalling conditions.Once again, our emergency services – the fire service, ambulance, NHS and police - have shown incredible bravery, working in truly appalling conditions.
Their work will continue for some time, and I know everybody will want to join me in thanking them for their amazing bravery.Their work will continue for some time, and I know everybody will want to join me in thanking them for their amazing bravery.
Many people will be working around the clock in the NHS to treat those who have been injured, and working elsewhere to provide help and support to those who have no home to return to.Many people will be working around the clock in the NHS to treat those who have been injured, and working elsewhere to provide help and support to those who have no home to return to.
Of course, once the scene is secure, once the recovery is complete, then an investigation will take place into the cause of the fire and if there are any lessons to be learned.Of course, once the scene is secure, once the recovery is complete, then an investigation will take place into the cause of the fire and if there are any lessons to be learned.
Until then, our focus must be on ensuring that the emergency services have what they need to continue with their harrowing work, and that help and support is being provided to all those who have suffered as a result of this tragedy.Until then, our focus must be on ensuring that the emergency services have what they need to continue with their harrowing work, and that help and support is being provided to all those who have suffered as a result of this tragedy.
8.47pm BST8.47pm BST
20:4720:47
May promised a “proper investigation”, that any possible lessons would be learned, and “action will be taken”.May promised a “proper investigation”, that any possible lessons would be learned, and “action will be taken”.
She paid tribute to the efforts of the emergency services and said support should be given to the hundreds affected by the fire.She paid tribute to the efforts of the emergency services and said support should be given to the hundreds affected by the fire.
Asked about what action was taken to prevent such an incident – and what other action should have been – she said:Asked about what action was taken to prevent such an incident – and what other action should have been – she said:
There are people tonight who have no home to go to, they have lost absolutely everything, so our focus must be on support to them.There are people tonight who have no home to go to, they have lost absolutely everything, so our focus must be on support to them.
In due course, when the scene is secure, when it’s possible to identify the cause of this fire, then of course there will be proper investigation and if there are any lessons to be learnt they will be, and action will be taken.In due course, when the scene is secure, when it’s possible to identify the cause of this fire, then of course there will be proper investigation and if there are any lessons to be learnt they will be, and action will be taken.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.07pm BSTat 9.07pm BST
8.39pm BST8.39pm BST
20:3920:39
The prime minister, Theresa May, is speaking to reporters now. She has been asked about why checks on buildings undergoing refurbishment work have not already been carried out and whether the government has put in place sufficient safeguards. She says the focus is on dealing with the immediate problems people affected by the fire are facing.The prime minister, Theresa May, is speaking to reporters now. She has been asked about why checks on buildings undergoing refurbishment work have not already been carried out and whether the government has put in place sufficient safeguards. She says the focus is on dealing with the immediate problems people affected by the fire are facing.
8.27pm BST8.27pm BST
20:2720:27
GPs across north-west and north-central London have been asked to come forward to help manage the response to the fire, the London Central and West Unscheduled Care Collaborative has said.GPs across north-west and north-central London have been asked to come forward to help manage the response to the fire, the London Central and West Unscheduled Care Collaborative has said.
8.25pm BST8.25pm BST
20:2520:25
Lisa O'CarrollLisa O'Carroll
London Fire Brigade has confirmed it is using a drone to enter the upper floors of the building to assess the damage and potential further fatalities.London Fire Brigade has confirmed it is using a drone to enter the upper floors of the building to assess the damage and potential further fatalities.
The unmanned device could be seen flying into the gutted apartments on Wednesday evening, with footage being transmitted back beaming pictures of the wreckage back to firefighters on the ground.The unmanned device could be seen flying into the gutted apartments on Wednesday evening, with footage being transmitted back beaming pictures of the wreckage back to firefighters on the ground.
As the sun set, the block was still smouldering with a see-through building frame all that was left in parts of the upper floors. Flames could still be seen burning on at least one floor at 6pm.As the sun set, the block was still smouldering with a see-through building frame all that was left in parts of the upper floors. Flames could still be seen burning on at least one floor at 6pm.
London Fire Brigade confirmed that it was using the drone for “observation purposes”.London Fire Brigade confirmed that it was using the drone for “observation purposes”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.26pm BSTat 8.26pm BST
8.23pm BST8.23pm BST
20:2320:23
Lisa O'CarrollLisa O'Carroll
Besides the 44 families already being temporarily housed in hotels, the local council said it would be placing people either in the Westway sports centre, where emergency accommodation centre for 300 has been established, or in other hotels.Besides the 44 families already being temporarily housed in hotels, the local council said it would be placing people either in the Westway sports centre, where emergency accommodation centre for 300 has been established, or in other hotels.
8.07pm BST8.07pm BST
20:0720:07
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, says the response from the community had been an “extraordinary sight”. He told the BBC:The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, says the response from the community had been an “extraordinary sight”. He told the BBC:
As we’ve seen, and we saw in Manchester as well of course, is just everyone coming together when there is a tragedy on this scale. And just outpouring of the most extraordinary love and generosity and people just getting stuck in – putting their own interests aside. It’s just incredible.As we’ve seen, and we saw in Manchester as well of course, is just everyone coming together when there is a tragedy on this scale. And just outpouring of the most extraordinary love and generosity and people just getting stuck in – putting their own interests aside. It’s just incredible.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.10pm BSTat 8.10pm BST
7.49pm BST7.49pm BST
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I was in bed asleep when my phone rang at 2.39am with an automated message from the King’s switchboard. It just said ‘major incident declared, King’s is a receiving hospital’, the same as it did after the Westminster Bridge and London Bridge terror attacks. My first fear was: is this another terror incident? Oh God, what’s happened this time? But my wife quickly told me from looking at the BBC News website on her phone that it wasn’t that; it was a major fire.I was in bed asleep when my phone rang at 2.39am with an automated message from the King’s switchboard. It just said ‘major incident declared, King’s is a receiving hospital’, the same as it did after the Westminster Bridge and London Bridge terror attacks. My first fear was: is this another terror incident? Oh God, what’s happened this time? But my wife quickly told me from looking at the BBC News website on her phone that it wasn’t that; it was a major fire.
Dr Malcolm Tunnicliff, the clinical director for emergency and acute care, tells Denis Campbell how south London’s King’s College hospital dealt with 12 casualties from the fire.Dr Malcolm Tunnicliff, the clinical director for emergency and acute care, tells Denis Campbell how south London’s King’s College hospital dealt with 12 casualties from the fire.