Politics: LIVE: At least 6 dead as huge blaze rips through a London tower block

A residents' group says it repeatedly warned about Grenfell Tower's fire safety.

• At least six dead as blaze rips through west London tower block. More than 50 others are injured.
• London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared it a "major incident." He said he was "devastated" by the blaze.
• A residents' group says it repeatedly warned about Grenfell Tower's fire safety.
• Around 30 local flats have been evacuated amid fears the building could collapse.
• A structural engineer has assessed the building and it has been deemed safe for fire crew to continue search and rescue efforts.
• Firefighters have rescued "large numbers" of people and reached the 19th and 20th floors of the 24-storey building.
  
• Londoners, including chef Jamie Oliver, are offering help to residents affected by the blaze. A JustGiving donations page has also been launched.
• The council block contains 120 homes, with hundreds of residents.

LONDON — At least six people have died after a huge blaze ripped through a 24-story residential tower block in west London.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the number of fatalities at Grenfell Tower. In a statement, it said: "These are very early stages and we do expect that figure to rise." More than 50 others were injured.

The London Fire Brigade was called to the fire in Kensington at 12:54 a.m. (BST) and firefighters are still tackling the flames. London Mayor Sadiq Khan declared it as a "major incident." The cause of the fire is not yet known.

London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton told reporters on Wednesday morning: "In my 29 years as a firefighter, I have never, ever seen anything on this scale."

More than 50 people have been taken to five local hospitals, according to The London Ambulance Service.

At least 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters have been tackling the blaze at Grenfell Tower since the early hours of the morning. The Ambulance Service added that 20 crews were on the scene, including 100 medics. Staff from London's air ambulance team travelled to the scene by car.

People still trapped in tower block

People remain trapped in the building. There were images of at least one man appealing for help from his window on the 11th floor.

The London Fire Brigade entered the building in a search and rescue operation, with "large numbers" of people being rescued, Commissioner Cotton said. Firefighters reached the 19th and 20th floor of the building, she added.

Witnesses have claimed that people were jumping from some of the lower floors of the building in an effort to flee the blaze. Others were creating makeshift rope ladders, according to those on the scene.

Kensington and Chelsea council has opened an emergency rest centre for evacuees at the Harrow Centre on Freston Road, it said.

A cordon is in place, the London Fire Brigade said, and 30 adjacent flats have been evacuated. Local roads, including the A40, were closed.

There are fears that the building could collapse. There are images on television of debris falling from the tower block, while people on the scene have described exploding windows.

Cotton calmed concerns about a collapse, however. A structural engineer has assessed the building, she said, and it has been deemed safe for fire crew to continue search and rescue efforts.

"It reminded me of 9/11"

Resident Ahmed Chellat told ITV's "Good Morning Britain" that his family were still inside the building. "We don't know where they are, whether they are still in or out. We're waiting for news," he said.

Chellat said his brother-in-law was advised not to evacuate initially. This was echoed by other residents, while there are also reports that some didn't hear any fire alarms in the building.

Eyewitness Muna Ali told the BBC that the blaze had "completely spread" within 30 minutes. "The flames — I have never seen anything like it, it just reminded me of 9/11," she said.

Safety warnings were raised

As the blaze rages, residents group Grenfell Action Group has blogged about the incident.

It said it had "posted numerous warnings in recent years about the very poor fire safety standards." It added: "All our warnings fell on deaf ears."

Kensington and Chelsea council declined to comment when contacted by Business Insider.

The Grenfell Tower has undergone a £10 million refurbishment recently, according to Kensington and Chelsea council. The work was completed by the Rydon construction group.

"The large-scale works included the installation of insulated exterior cladding, new double glazed windows and a new communal heating system," the council said. The building contains 120 homes and was first built in 1974.

The "insulated exterior cladding" has been a particular area of focus, with residents speculating that it could have exacerbated the fire.

Nicholas Paget-Brown, the leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, said a "thorough investigation is needed." He told the BBC that council buildings undergo fire inspections and safety guidance is issued to residents.

The Metropolitan Police said "it is likely to take some time" before they are able to establish the cause of the fire.

"Anyone who is concerned about loved ones in relation to the fire should contact Casualty Bureau which has been opened following the fire. If you do not get through immediately please do try again," said Commander Stuart Cundy.

The Casualty Bureau number is 0800 0961 233 or 0207 158 0197.

Grenfell Tower is close to Latimer Road tube station and Notting Hill.

London Mayor "devastated" by blaze

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "truly devastated" by the fire. "I want to thank our incredible firefighters and emergency services for their immense courage, dedication and professionalism," he said in a tweeted statement.

He added: "There will be a great many questions over the coming days as to the cause of this tragedy and I want to reassure Londoners that we will get all the answers."

Londoners are offering help to residents affected by the blaze. Nearby community centres, such as St Clement's Church, are offering refuge, spare clothes, and toiletries.

Local businesses are also offering support, including food and drink. Chef Jamie Oliver was among those contributing to the efforts. "You are all welcome to come hang out in my restaurant and be fed and watered by my [Notting Hill] Jamies Italian team," he said on Instagram.

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