First victim of Grenfell Tower fire is named as Syrian refugee Mohammed Al Haj Ali, 23, who made devastating final phone call to a friend
Mohammed Al Haj Ali became separated from brother Omar, who is in a stable condition in hospital, as they attempted to flee their 14th floor flat
THE FIRST victim of the Grenfell Tower tragedy has been named as a Syrian refugee who made a devastating final phone call to a friend, telling them "the fire is here".
Mohammed Al Haj Ali thought he had found safety living in the West London tower block with his brother Omar, who is understood to be in hospital, but he died after becoming trapped by flames and smoke.
After a failed escape bid the 23-year-old civil engineering student returned to his 14th floor flat, where he was trapped for two hours, calling family and friends in Syria, who he eventually told "the fire is here now, goodbye".
Mohammed had tried to flee the inferno with his brother but the two became separated on the stairs of the building, h reports.
It's believed he was overcome by smoke.
In a statement the Syrian Solidarity campaign said: "When the fire reached his flat on the 14th floor, Mohammed bid his friend goodbye, saying that the fire had reached him.
"Mohammed undertook a dangerous journey to flee war and death in Syria, only to meet it here in the UK, in his own home.
"Mohammed came to this country for safety and the UK failed to protect him.
";We absolutely agree that a thorough investigation into Building Regulations should take place immediately."
Friend Abdullah Hourani, who had searched for Mohammed through social media, said Omar was in a stable condition in King's College Hospital.
The brothers' family fled Syria three-years-ago and had been granted asylum in the UK.
Friend Abdulaziz Almashi told the Telegraph: “He survived Assad, the war in Syria, only to die in a tower block in London. There are no words.”
He said Mohammed "was kind, charitable and full of passion for his family".
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The University of West London, where Mohammed was studying, said: "We are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of our student.
";Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends."
Many desperate families have appealed for help tracking down their loved ones amid fears that everyone living in the top three floors may have perished.
At least 12 people have been killed, with 79 injured including 18 fighting for their lives.
Onlookers described the horror as terrified residents flung themselves from windows to escape being burnt alive in scenes reminiscent of 9/11.
Chilling debris found near the block included a charred child's letter and a piece of homework.
It is expected that those who perished will be named in the coming days.
Anyone concerned for a loved on can call the police emergency line 0800 0961 233