Extensive Fire at Grenfell Tower in West London Claims Lives

At least 200 firefighters and 40 fire engines are trying to extinguish a huge fire at the Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, near Notting Hill, in West London.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed a number of people have died after a fire ripped through the 24-storey building at night.

Several hundred people were thought to have been in the building, which contains 120 homes, when flames broke out. The cause of the blaze has not yet been established.

BBC reports that more than 50 people are being treated in hospital.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said questions will need to be answered over the safety of tower blocks.

"We can't have a situation where people's safety is put at risk because of bad advice being given or if it is the case, as has been alleged, of tower blocks not being properly serviced or maintained," he told BBC Radio.

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

Thea Morrison

Photo source: AFP