Policing and Fire Minister Nick Hurd has issued a statement in response to the ongoing incident at Grenfell Tower on the Lancaster West estate in North Kensington, West London.
London Fire Brigade has declared the fire to be a major incident and are being assisted by the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service.
Policing and Fire Minister Nick Hurd said:
My thoughts are with the residents and families of everyone caught up in this dreadful event. London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police have confirmed there have been fatalities and I extend my condolences to their loved ones.
The search and rescue operation is still going on and I wish to commend the brave actions of firefighters and other emergency responders who arrived at the scene within minutes and have been at the scene throughout the night.
I should like to stress that this is an ongoing incident and I would urge anyone in the area to stay away from the scene and follow the directions of the emergency services.
Anyone concerned about family and friends should contact the Metropolitan Police Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233 or 0207 158 0197.