London fire campaign launched to raise £1MILLION for victims of Grenfell Tower horror blaze as thousands dig deep in their pockets
At least six people have lost their lives and hundreds more have been made homeless after fire ripped through the tower block
A HUGE fundraising drive has been launched to raise £1MILLION for victims and families left devastated by the Grenfell Tower blaze.
At least six people have lost their lives and the death toll is expected to rise after a massive fire ripped through the 24-storey tower block in west London.
A flood of support has been offered to victims of the fire, with one JustGiving page receiving more than £30,000 within hours of being launched.
The appeal, on the , was set up by an account in the name of Haley Yearwood, with the note: "I am a teacher at a local school and know that many of our students and their families will be affected by this awful fire.
"It is a really close-knit community and the trauma will be felt for years to come. I'd like to help in any way possible.
"Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected."
Others at the scene offered clothes, lifts and shelter to those left with nothing after their homes were gutted by the inferno.
Meanwhile, pop star star Lily Allen volunteered a "bed or a lift, or tea" to anyone in need and west London rapper Angel announced plans to put on a benefit concert in aid of victims.
He wrote on Twitter: "So sad to see what's happenin (sic). I grew around there.
"On Saturday I wanna put on a free gig to help raise funds for everyone involved.
"These are the times we really need to come together!
"Anyone that wants to get involved hit me up.
One witness has claimed the blaze began when a fridge exploded in a floor flat on one of the lower floors while other residents claimed no alarm sounded as flames tore through the building.
Scotland Yard has confirmed six fatalities but warned the death toll is expected to rise.
Commander Stuart Cundy, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this truly shocking fire at Grenfell Tower.
"I can confirm six fatalities at this time but this figure is likely to rise during what will be a complex recovery operation over a number of days. Many others are receiving medical care.
"If you do have any concerns for anybody connected to this awful event, please call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 0961 233.
"If you do not get through immediately, please try again. If you have any concerns, please use that number rather than dialling 999 or 101."
He added: "If you are a resident who has been evacuated from the area and can't now get home the current reception centre being coordinated by the local authority is at the Portobello Rugby club at Walmer Road.
"We urge anyone who lived in the block to make themselves known at that centre so that we know they are safe.
"If you are unable to get to the centre please speak to a police officer. This is really important as we account for all those in the building.
"Equally if you have reported someone missing and they are now safe and well it is really important that you contact Casualty Bureau so that we can keep an accurate record of who is missing and who is safe.
"We kindly ask that the public stay away from the area. I thank the public for their patience and their cooperation today which has already greatly assisted our policing response.
"There are a significant number of officers at the scene who are continuing to work with the other emergency services and agencies. I'd like to thank my officers and colleagues at London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service for the sterling work they are doing at this time."