London fire: At least six people dead, police confirm

A massive fire which engulfed the Grenfell Tower block in London’s Notting Hill overnight has led to at least six fatalities, according to Metropolitan Police.

Metropolitan Police were called to reports of the fire at Grenfell Tower apartment block on Latimer Road at 1:16 am local time (00:16 GMT). According to the London Ambulance Service, more than 50 residents of the 24-storey building were hospitalized.

“We can confirm six fatalities at this time following the fire in North Kensington in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday, 14 June. These are very early stages and we do expect that figure to rise,” the police said in a statement.

This is painful to watch!#GrenfellTower
pic.twitter.com/sroKTnKBZg

— Popcorn Hub Official (@PopcornHub) June 14, 2017

Downing Street has issued a statement on the fire.

“The Prime Minister is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in the Grenfell Tower and is being kept constantly updated on the situation,” the statement reads.

Theresa May has called for a cross-government meeting on Wednesday at 4pm to co-ordinate a response.

“The PM’s thoughts are with all of those affected by this terrible incident and the emergency services, who are working tirelessly in very difficult circumstances,” the statement added.