Grenfell Tower, London Statement from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Chief Fire Officer, Rod Hammerton

In the early hours of this morning fire swept through a 24-storey residential tower block in north Kensington in London.

This unfolding tragedy at Grenfell Tower continues even as we speak but at this stage we do know that there are an unknown number of fatalities and more than 50 people have been taken to hospitals in the area. Many others are missing.

Our thoughts are with all those who have been caught up in this appalling incident including more than 200 firefighters from the London Fire Brigade and neighbouring Fire and Rescue Services who have fought the fire throughout the night and are now engaged in a search and rescue operation supported by police and ambulance service colleagues.

Our thoughts are with them all.

14th June, 2017