More than 200 firefighters are tackling a massive blaze at a block of flats in west London, with reports of people trapped in their homes. Forty fire engines rushed to the 24-storey Grenfell Tower on the Lancaster West Estate, north Kensington, shortly after 1.15am. At least 30 injured people were taken to hospital, as pictures from the scene showed flames engulfing most of the block. The BBC said "a significant number of people" were unaccounted for. Eye witnesses reported people screaming for help as the fire took hold of the building, which contains 120 homes. Some residents were seen using bedsheets to make their escape from the tower block. Those inside were urged not to panic and cover their mouths with wet towels as they made their escape.
Stuart Crighton, London Ambulance Service assistant director of operations, said: "We have sent a number of resources to the scene including our hazardous area response team and over 20 ambulance crews. "Our priority (is) to get people to safety and ensure they receive the medical help as quickly as possible.
"Our initial priority is to assess the level and nature of injuries and ensure those in the most need are treated first and taken to hospital."
London mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: "Major incident declared at Grenfell Tower in Kensington" and urged people to follow London Fire Brigade on Twitter.
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