London fire as it happened: 12 residents confirmed dead and more fatalities expected after day of horror
Witnesses describe 'terrifying' scenes
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A huge fire has engulfed a large block of flats in London, killing at least a dozen people.
Hundreds of firefighters were sent to 24-storey Grenfell Tower in north Kensington, as large plumes of smoke billowed above the capital after the blaze broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Witnesses spoke of "terrifying" scenes, with some residents suggesting they heard no alarm go off when the fire began. At least 75 people are being treated at six hospitals across the capital.
Please wait a moment for the live blog to load.
Jamie Oliver has offered those affected by the huge fire at west London's Grenfell Tower free food, drink and shelter at his nearby restaurant.
The TV star and chef, whose Jamie's Italian chain has a restaurant at the Westfield London shopping centre close to the tower block, also shared his "thoughts, love and prayers" for those affected by the blaze.
In a post on Instagram, Oliver wrote: "To any of the 100's of FAMILIES effected by this terrible fire at Grenfell Tower Notting hill today, You are all welcome to come hang out in my restaurant and be fed and watered by my Jamies Italian team.
"We are in the Westfield just around the corner.
"Food and drink free of charge so just go and speak to my manager Juan and we will sort you out and give you some love .... this is for victims of the fire our thoughts, love and prayers are with you all big love jamie x x x x (sic)."
PA
Simone Williams, a nurse who lives nearby, said she helped people leaving the blazing building.
She told the Victoria Derbyshire show: "I've seen some things, but today I can't even describe it. There were mothers that came out and had lost their children, firefighters that came out injured.
"The police were amazing; there were people saying they didn't care and weren't doing enough, but that's not true.
"It's absolutely horrendous and I just don't know how we're going to move forward and rebuild as a community."
Here's my Facebook Live report from the scene of the huge fire at #GrenfellTower , west London facebook.com/TheIndependent…
Eyewitnesses have described hearing the screams of people trapped inside the "inferno" at #GrenfellTower
One said she saw a woman throw their baby out of her ninth floor window into the arms of people below #GrenfellTower
"Frantic screams filled the air," she said. "It was surreal."
She also said emergency services initially struggled to reach the burning tower because the nearby streets were too narrow #GrenfellTower
She saw one fireman "drop to his knees and shake his head in disbelief" because he could not get into a good position to tackle the blaze
For those living near #Londonfire and want to help: people donating water, food and clothing to St Clement's church… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…
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