At least 12 people have died after a huge fire destroyed a tower block in west London, but the death toll is still expected to rise.
Flames tore up the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in north Kensington, leaving people trapped on upper floors, including children, some holding babies from windows and others jumping from their flats.
A total of 64 people were taken to hospital following the blaze, with a further 20 in critical care.
Commander Stuart Cundy, of the Metropolitan Police, said the death toll had risen from six to 12, and would “sadly increase”.
Fire at #GrenfellTower: Commander Cundy has confirmed the number of fatalities has risen to 12 "we believe this number will sadly increase"
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 14, 2017
"It is very important we identify and account for everybody. Our priority is clearly those that would have been residents of #GrenfellTower"
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 14, 2017
He said it was likely to be some time before police are able to identify the victims, adding that it was too early to speculate on the cause of the fire.
London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton told reporters: “This is an unprecedented incident. In my 29 years of being a firefighter, I have never ever seen anything of this scale.”
https://twitter.com/ldn_ambulance/status/875007772571697152
Latest statement re fire at #GrenfellTower. Call Casualty Bureau if concerned about a loved one or if they've been found safe 0800 0961 233 pic.twitter.com/UvM41bFiuO
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 14, 2017
