'Number of Fatalities' As Blaze Engulfs Tower Block

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250 firefighters have been tackling fire at 24-storey Grenfell Tower

Pictures: @Natalie_Oxford

Police say there have been 'a number of fatalities' as crews tackle a massive fire at a tower block in North Kensington which took hold in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

250 firefighters are at the scene of the blaze which is believed to have started shortly before 1am at Grenfell Tower on the Lancaster West Estate .

The fire is from the second floor to the top floor of the 24 floor building. A cordon is in place around the building and around 30 adjacent flats to the tower block have been evacuated by the police.

London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said it was an 'unprecedented incident' and there had been "a number of fatalities" but could not say how many because of the "size and complexity" of the building.

50 people have been taken to hospital.

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.“

Fire crews from North Kensington, Kensington, Hammersmith and Paddington and from surrounding fire stations are in attendance.

Cordons are in place and it is advised that the estate and surrounding area is avoided. The Westway is currently closed.

The Met Police has set up an emergency number on 0800 0961 233 for anyone concerned about friends or family.

 

14th June 2017