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London fire: Theresa May visits tower block as police expect further fatalities – latest updates London fire: Met confirms 17 dead with further fatalities expected – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
11.26am BST
11:26
Sarah Marsh
Adel Chaoui from London is desperately looking for his cousin Farah Hamdan, her husband Omar Belkadi and their six-month-old daughter Leena Belkadi.
The family, including two other children who have since been found, were on the 20th floor of Grenfell Tower when the fire happened.
Chaoui said his family were being kept in the dark about what was happening and called for authorities to give out more information. He said: “I was trawling hospitals and yesterday morning I found two of Farah’s children in St Mary’s. It’s not because authorities contacted us but because we begged and cajoled a nurse who took pity and said there was a child upstairs who matched our description.”
He added: “When we went we noticed that her sibling was a few beds down. No one even knew they were related … Police are not identifying people … they are using protocols for terrorist incidents to manage civil disaster. ”
Chaoui said the two children they had found in hospital were safe but one was desperately ill in a coma. “No one knows what will happen. The other one is traumatised and sedated but otherwise OK.”
Farah called her sister at about 1am asking what to do as the fire engulfed the tower block. She was told by family to leave but said she had been told to “stay put”.
Chaoui says he is not sure who gave this advice to his cousin. He thinks they eventually tried to get out. “We just need the police to start sharing information with relatives,” he said.
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11.21am BST
11:21
Lisa O'Carroll
Experts believe the void between the cladding on Grenfell Tower and the fabric of the building may have acted like “a chimney”, helping the rapid spread of the fire on the outside of the building.
The forensic architect Chris Miers told the trade magazine Construction Enquirer: “I was surprised to see the extent of fire and its rapid spread. The risk is if the void is not adequately subdivided it would act as a chimney.”
The magazine reports that the building was clad with “Aluminium Composite Material cassette rainscreen. This consists of two thin aluminium sheets sandwiching a core material. The panels are available with polyethylene or less flammable mineral cores.
“The cladding system employs a void behind the panel to vent moisture. An intumescent strip is designed to be installed at regular intervals to expand in the event of fire to become a cavity barrier.”
Experts including Miers have said the cladding will have had limited combustibility and fire safety regulations require a firebreak to exist horizontally between floors up to and including the cladding to prevent fire jumping levels.
Construction Enquirer is also reporting that the cladding contractor Harley Curtain Wall and contractor Rydon, which were responsible for the cladding on Grenfell Tower, also delivered a bigger project on the Chalcot Estate in north London where five blocks were reclad.
Harley Curtain Wall went into administration shortly after the Kensington refurbishment and Rydon has said “all required building control, fire regulation and health and safety standards” were met.
“In the UK cladding has to be of limited combustibility. I’m sure it will be questioned what exactly this means and what these types of cladding systems are adding to the fire load of a building,” Russ Timpson of the tall building fire safety network told Construction Inquirer.
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11.15am BST
11:15
Here are the main points of the press conference:
17 people are now confirmed dead. The number is expected to rise.
Sniffer dogs will be sent in to search for bodies.
The search operation is expected to take weeks.
Internal shoring will be built inside the tower to make it safe for the search to take place.
Here’s audio of that press conference.
11.08am BST
11:08
Cundy said it was too early to say whether the refurbishment project on the tower had anything to do with the fire.
He urged concerned families to call 0800 0961 233.
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11.05am BST
11:05
Cundy said the search and rescue operation was going to take a long time. He said there was nothing to suggest the fire had anything to do with terrorism.
He could not give figures on the number of people missing.
Cotton said the search operation could take weeks. The upper floors are expected to be especially challenging, she said.
Updated
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11.01am BST11.01am BST
11:0111:01
17 confirmed dead17 confirmed dead
Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton is giving another press briefing. She confirms plans to deploy search and rescue teams to the building. Internal shoring will take place to made sure the building is safe to search, she said. The fire commissioner, Dany Cotton, is giving another press briefing. She confirms plans to deploy search and rescue teams to the building. Internal shoring will take place to make sure the building is safe to search, she said.
Sniffer dogs will be sent in before firefighters, she said.Sniffer dogs will be sent in before firefighters, she said.
The rescue work will take many days.The rescue work will take many days.
Met Police Commander Stuart Cundy said 17 people have been killed. That number is set to increase he said. The Met police commander Stuart Cundy said 17 people had been killed. That number is set to increase, he said.
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10.57am BST10.57am BST
10:5710:57
Fire minster Nick Hurd is due to give a statement in the grand committee room of the House of Commons at 1.30pm, the Speakers Office has confirmed according Andy Bell from 5 News. The fire minster Nick Hurd is due to give a statement in the grand committee room of the House of Commons at 1.30pm, the Speakers Office has confirmed, according Andy Bell from 5 News.
Gov statement on #GrenfellTower by fire minister Nick Hurd at 130 in Grand Committee Room Speaker's office confirmsGov statement on #GrenfellTower by fire minister Nick Hurd at 130 in Grand Committee Room Speaker's office confirms
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10.54am BST10.54am BST
10:5410:54
Theresa May is facing growing criticism for failing to meet residents during her visit to the scene.Theresa May is facing growing criticism for failing to meet residents during her visit to the scene.
Theresa May makes "private" visit to Grenfell Tower, still hiding, still avoiding difficult questions, does she really think we don't know.Theresa May makes "private" visit to Grenfell Tower, still hiding, still avoiding difficult questions, does she really think we don't know.
So deeply saddened you refuse to meet #Grenfell residents, eh? What is it, guilty conscience, Theresa May? #GrenfellTower https://t.co/rXMSXs5fgRSo deeply saddened you refuse to meet #Grenfell residents, eh? What is it, guilty conscience, Theresa May? #GrenfellTower https://t.co/rXMSXs5fgR
1/2 Disgusting that Theresa May visits site of #Grenfell fire, talks to emergency services, but refuses to meet residents and volunteers.1/2 Disgusting that Theresa May visits site of #Grenfell fire, talks to emergency services, but refuses to meet residents and volunteers.
Theresa May at Grenfell tower today. Maybe she'd have gained more understanding meeting firefighters in the first image rather than the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/BWtQATbQDgTheresa May at Grenfell tower today. Maybe she'd have gained more understanding meeting firefighters in the first image rather than the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/BWtQATbQDg
10.43am BST10.43am BST
10:4310:43
The management company responsible for Grenfell Tower had been served with enforcement notices from the fire brigade following a blaze at a neighbouring high rise block, accounts show. PA reports:The management company responsible for Grenfell Tower had been served with enforcement notices from the fire brigade following a blaze at a neighbouring high rise block, accounts show. PA reports:
Following a fire at Adair Tower, put down to arson, Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) was ordered by the London fire brigade to provide self-closing devices “on all flat front doors and to improve fire safety in the escape staircases”.Following a fire at Adair Tower, put down to arson, Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) was ordered by the London fire brigade to provide self-closing devices “on all flat front doors and to improve fire safety in the escape staircases”.
Fire authorities also issued the same enforcement notice for the nearby Hazelwood Tower, according to KCTMO’s latest published accounts.Fire authorities also issued the same enforcement notice for the nearby Hazelwood Tower, according to KCTMO’s latest published accounts.
Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016 also show Grenfell underwent a £10m refurbishment, with the cash used for the installation of insulated exterior cladding, double glazed windows and a new communal heating system.Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016 also show Grenfell underwent a £10m refurbishment, with the cash used for the installation of insulated exterior cladding, double glazed windows and a new communal heating system.
However, the documents also show the project was delayed because “two subcontractors went into liquidation”.However, the documents also show the project was delayed because “two subcontractors went into liquidation”.
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Theresa May has left the area apparently without meeting residents.Theresa May has left the area apparently without meeting residents.
But she is refusing to meet residents. #GrenfellTower #LondonFire https://t.co/OT1mOhXhRpBut she is refusing to meet residents. #GrenfellTower #LondonFire https://t.co/OT1mOhXhRp
Before the visit Downing Street said the prime minister was planning to talk to the emergency services to ensure they had the resources they needed to deal with the situation.Before the visit Downing Street said the prime minister was planning to talk to the emergency services to ensure they had the resources they needed to deal with the situation.
UpdatedUpdated
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10.26am BST10.26am BST
10:2610:26
Just as Theresa May was visiting the scene, Labour confirmed that Jeremy Corbyn would do the same later this morning.Just as Theresa May was visiting the scene, Labour confirmed that Jeremy Corbyn would do the same later this morning.
The Labour leader will meet firefighters and those caught up in the disaster at 11am, the shadow housing minister John Healey told the BBC at the scene.The Labour leader will meet firefighters and those caught up in the disaster at 11am, the shadow housing minister John Healey told the BBC at the scene.
May was photographed speaking to the London fire commissioner, Dany Cotton.May was photographed speaking to the London fire commissioner, Dany Cotton.
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at 10.44am BSTat 10.44am BST
10.20am BST10.20am BST
10:2010:20
Alice RossAlice Ross
The bishop of Kensington, Graham Tomlin, spent much of yesterday providing pastoral support to emergency crews in the shadow of the tower.The bishop of Kensington, Graham Tomlin, spent much of yesterday providing pastoral support to emergency crews in the shadow of the tower.
He praised the “extraordinary professionalism” of the “brilliant, amazing people” from the crews he met, but added: “They were also conscious that some of the things they saw and had to deal with were pretty distressing.”He praised the “extraordinary professionalism” of the “brilliant, amazing people” from the crews he met, but added: “They were also conscious that some of the things they saw and had to deal with were pretty distressing.”
He continued: “At the time, you switch off, but they are also aware that in the coming days some of those sights will come back to them.”He continued: “At the time, you switch off, but they are also aware that in the coming days some of those sights will come back to them.”
He also met specialists with the grim task of identifying bodies. “There’s a team of people nationally. They did the Manchester attacks, the London Bridge attacks, and now this. One of them was saying this was three one-in-a-lifetime events in one month.”He also met specialists with the grim task of identifying bodies. “There’s a team of people nationally. They did the Manchester attacks, the London Bridge attacks, and now this. One of them was saying this was three one-in-a-lifetime events in one month.”
Tomlin was on his way to St Clements, where many took refuge in the disaster’s immediate aftermath and where clergy worked until past midnight ensuring everyone had a place to stay.Tomlin was on his way to St Clements, where many took refuge in the disaster’s immediate aftermath and where clergy worked until past midnight ensuring everyone had a place to stay.
Many were put up by family and friends nearby, while others went to the Westway sports centre. He expected some families would be returning to St Clements today.Many were put up by family and friends nearby, while others went to the Westway sports centre. He expected some families would be returning to St Clements today.
“The likelihood is that the death toll is going to rise, and a lot of families will get bad news,” he said. “Today is about providing support and pastoral care for them.” He added: “The church is here. We will be here long after the media circus is gone. The church in this area will be working quite hard to provide support to people who have lost everything.”“The likelihood is that the death toll is going to rise, and a lot of families will get bad news,” he said. “Today is about providing support and pastoral care for them.” He added: “The church is here. We will be here long after the media circus is gone. The church in this area will be working quite hard to provide support to people who have lost everything.”
Tomlin added he would also be “monitoring quite carefully the debate about what went on here, what led to the fire” as well as housing issues in north Kensington.Tomlin added he would also be “monitoring quite carefully the debate about what went on here, what led to the fire” as well as housing issues in north Kensington.
“There are clearly real questions to be asked,” he said. “Apportioning blame at this point doesn’t really help anyone, but as time goes on we will be quite interested in those issues and trying to make sure measures are put in place to protect people.”“There are clearly real questions to be asked,” he said. “Apportioning blame at this point doesn’t really help anyone, but as time goes on we will be quite interested in those issues and trying to make sure measures are put in place to protect people.”
He said it was vital to ensure “people at the bottom of the ladder don’t get put in danger, the way it’s possible they may have done here”.He said it was vital to ensure “people at the bottom of the ladder don’t get put in danger, the way it’s possible they may have done here”.
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10.15am BST10.15am BST
10:1510:15
37 people still being treated in hospital37 people still being treated in hospital
A total of 37 people are still being treated in hospital, with 17 in critical care, NHS England said in a statement.A total of 37 people are still being treated in hospital, with 17 in critical care, NHS England said in a statement.
It issued this table of where the injured are being treated:It issued this table of where the injured are being treated:
10.10am BST10.10am BST
10:1010:10
Theresa May visits sceneTheresa May visits scene
As promised, Theresa May has visited the scene of the fire. She was pictured speaking to firefighters and the London fire commissioner, Dany Cotton.As promised, Theresa May has visited the scene of the fire. She was pictured speaking to firefighters and the London fire commissioner, Dany Cotton.
UpdatedUpdated
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10.07am BST10.07am BST
10:0710:07
A firefighter called Mick has attained cult following after posting a picture on Twitter of a telling detail about the fire and then refusing the Sun permission to print it.A firefighter called Mick has attained cult following after posting a picture on Twitter of a telling detail about the fire and then refusing the Sun permission to print it.
The firefighter, who tweets under the name Crispymick, posted a picture of his helmet with his name on it, with the comment: “You know it’s not going to be good when you’re told to write your name on your helmet before you go in!”The firefighter, who tweets under the name Crispymick, posted a picture of his helmet with his name on it, with the comment: “You know it’s not going to be good when you’re told to write your name on your helmet before you go in!”
The Sun’s picture desk asked to use the photo. Mick refused in no uncertain terms.The Sun’s picture desk asked to use the photo. Mick refused in no uncertain terms.
You know it's not going to be good when your told to write your name on you helmet before you go in! pic.twitter.com/qToYAXa1k8You know it's not going to be good when your told to write your name on you helmet before you go in! pic.twitter.com/qToYAXa1k8
Nope... Not in in your shitragNope... Not in in your shitrag
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.12am BSTat 10.12am BST
9.50am BST9.50am BST
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Queen: thoughts and prayers are with families of victimsQueen: thoughts and prayers are with families of victims
The Queen has issued a message of condolence and paid tribute to bravery of firefighters.The Queen has issued a message of condolence and paid tribute to bravery of firefighters.
In a statement she said:In a statement she said:
My thoughts and prayers are with those families who have lost loved ones in the Grenfell Tower fire and the many people who are still critically ill in hospital. Prince Philip and I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of firefighters and other emergency services officers who put their own lives at risk to save others. It is also heartening to see the incredible generosity of community volunteers rallying to help those affected by this terrible event.My thoughts and prayers are with those families who have lost loved ones in the Grenfell Tower fire and the many people who are still critically ill in hospital. Prince Philip and I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of firefighters and other emergency services officers who put their own lives at risk to save others. It is also heartening to see the incredible generosity of community volunteers rallying to help those affected by this terrible event.
A message from The Queen following the fire in Grenfell Tower yesterday: https://t.co/p31TIfTf17A message from The Queen following the fire in Grenfell Tower yesterday: https://t.co/p31TIfTf17
9.31am BST9.31am BST
09:3109:31
An Italian couple are among the many people missing, according to the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.An Italian couple are among the many people missing, according to the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
It says Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi, both 27, had moved to Grenfell Tower three months ago. Gottardi recently graduated in architecture at the University of Venice, with excellent grades.It says Gloria Trevisan and Marco Gottardi, both 27, had moved to Grenfell Tower three months ago. Gottardi recently graduated in architecture at the University of Venice, with excellent grades.
Trevisan had told her friends of the fantastic views across London from her new home.Trevisan had told her friends of the fantastic views across London from her new home.
Sono Gloria Trevisan e Marco Gottardi i due italiani dispersi https://t.co/8DYi7wkP76 pic.twitter.com/jj0soCT9WQSono Gloria Trevisan e Marco Gottardi i due italiani dispersi https://t.co/8DYi7wkP76 pic.twitter.com/jj0soCT9WQ
There is more on those missing here.There is more on those missing here.
9.18am BST9.18am BST
09:1809:18
Lammy says the fire was 'corporate manslaughter'Lammy says the fire was 'corporate manslaughter'
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
The Labour MP for Tottenham, David Lammy, said that what happened amounted to “corporate manslaughter”.The Labour MP for Tottenham, David Lammy, said that what happened amounted to “corporate manslaughter”.
Lammy said that a close friend of his family, Khadija Saye, and her mother Mary were missing in Grenfell Tower. Saye, a 24-year-old artist, worked for Lammy’s wife, who is also an artist. Lammy said she was “a beautiful young woman with an amazing career ahead of her”. He had heard nothing from her, he said. “Obviously as the seconds pass we grow more sad and bleak at every second,” he said.Lammy said that a close friend of his family, Khadija Saye, and her mother Mary were missing in Grenfell Tower. Saye, a 24-year-old artist, worked for Lammy’s wife, who is also an artist. Lammy said she was “a beautiful young woman with an amazing career ahead of her”. He had heard nothing from her, he said. “Obviously as the seconds pass we grow more sad and bleak at every second,” he said.
He was hoping she was in hospital, he said, “and not perished in the building as I suspect hundreds will have done by the end of this count”.He was hoping she was in hospital, he said, “and not perished in the building as I suspect hundreds will have done by the end of this count”.
He also said that the fact that those living in the tower block were predominantly poor was a factor in what happened.He also said that the fact that those living in the tower block were predominantly poor was a factor in what happened.
This is the richest borough in our country treating its citizens in this way and we should call it what it is. It is corporate manslaughter. That’s what it is. And there should be arrests made, frankly. It is an outrage.This is the richest borough in our country treating its citizens in this way and we should call it what it is. It is corporate manslaughter. That’s what it is. And there should be arrests made, frankly. It is an outrage.
Many of us across the country have been caught up in an election knocking on housing estate doors, travelling up to the top floors of tower blocks, and we know as politicians that the conditions in this country are unacceptable.Many of us across the country have been caught up in an election knocking on housing estate doors, travelling up to the top floors of tower blocks, and we know as politicians that the conditions in this country are unacceptable.
We built buildings in the 70s. Those 70s buildings, many of them should be demolished. They have not got easy fire escapes. They have got no sprinklers. It is totally, totally unacceptable in Britain that this is allowed to happen and that people lose their lives in this way. People should be held to account.We built buildings in the 70s. Those 70s buildings, many of them should be demolished. They have not got easy fire escapes. They have got no sprinklers. It is totally, totally unacceptable in Britain that this is allowed to happen and that people lose their lives in this way. People should be held to account.
Here is what I said this morning on the Today prog - #GreenfellTower tragedy is corporate manslaughter and people must be held to account pic.twitter.com/LrfE4JRABHHere is what I said this morning on the Today prog - #GreenfellTower tragedy is corporate manslaughter and people must be held to account pic.twitter.com/LrfE4JRABH
There is more of the political fallout on Politics Live.There is more of the political fallout on Politics Live.
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