Downing Street protest – Thousands of angry protesters march on Whitehall chanting ‘May must go’ while demonstrators descend on Grenfell Tower as tensions erupt over fire
The angry crowd marched on Whitehall in the City demanding answers and voicing their frustrations at the Government
THOUSANDS of angry protesters marched on Downing Street demanding justice for those affected by the Grenfell Tower inferno.
The crowd of people carrying placards chanted "no justice, no peace" as they voiced their frustrations at the Government's response to the disaster, which killed at least 30.
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Thousands of angry protesters holding placards calling for 'Justice for Grenfell' marched on Whitehall today as they demanded answers over the disasterCredit: Getty Images
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Angry protesters marched down Whitehall to Downing Street demanding justice for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fireCredit: Alamy
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Police broke up a scuffle at the demonstration outside Downing Street todayCredit: Alamy
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Demonstrators moved to Oxford Circus where a scuffle broke out between two protestersCredit: Reuters
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Hundreds also gathered close to Grenfell Tower, where at least 30 people were killed in the early hours of Wednesday morningCredit: Getty Images
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People held placards saying 'Blood is on your hands' - aimed at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) councilCredit: Alamy
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Demonstrators moved on from Downing Street and settled at Oxford Circus where they sat down in the busy thoroughfareCredit: Reuters
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Angry protesters began marching towards Kensington High Street, chanting "no justice, no peace"Credit: Alamy
They were met with a cordon of police officers as they marched up Horseguards Parade, coming to a stop outside the entrance to Downing Street.
Organisers estimated at least 1,400 were part of the demonstration - which took place just hours after Downing Street pledged a £5 million fund for supplies, food and clothing for victims.
The demonstration comes after another crowd stormed Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall chanting "it was murder" earlier today.
People with placards reading "we demand an inquest" gathered outside Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall at around 3pm.
But around an hour later, the crowd split into two - with one smaller group breaking off to try and get inside, while others remained at the bottom of steps at the building.
The group later began marching towards Grenfell Tower, where people had gathered to voice their concerns over the handling of the crisis.
Paul, 23, who was staying at his uncle's flat in the block on the night of the fire, told Sun Online: "We want answers. We know there are more dead."
He explained that he had woken to the "sound of screaming children" at about 1.55am on Wednesday.
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Angry protesters marched from Kensington towards Grenfell Tower in a separate marchCredit: EPA
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Protesters carrying banners reading 'Justice for Grenfell' marched from Whitehall to Downing StreetCredit: Getty Images
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A scuffle breaks out as protesters rally outside Downing Street where police guarded the entranceCredit: Getty Images
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Police officers blocked the entrance to Downing Street as the march through Westminster got underwayCredit: Reuters
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Thousands of protesters holding placards marched on Downing Street after the fire at Grenfell Tower killed at least 30 peopleCredit: Getty Images
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Demonstrators marched down Oxford Circus during Friday's evening rush hour as they demonstrated over the devastating Grenfell Tower fireCredit: EPA
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People say they have been left angry at how the disaster has been handled and demanded answers as tensions roseCredit: Rex Features
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Thousands of people left a demonstration outside Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall and headed towards Grenfell TowerCredit: Rex Features
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An woman appeared visibly upset at the protest outside the entrance to Downing StreetCredit: Reuters
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Police gathered outside the BBC building - close to Oxford Street - as it appeared the demonstration was heading in that direction at one stageCredit: Getty Images
"People were shouting 'don't jump'," he said.
"I went out of the flat and the smoke was so thick you couldn't see your arm in front of you.
"I was on the seventh floor - I went down and was knocking on all the doors.
'Then I saw the fire brigade and they told me to get out.
"I saw three or four of them fiddling with what looked like the fire alarm. They weren't working."
June Smith, 54, was among the demonstrators at Grenfell Tower and described the tragedy as a "disgrace".
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People sat on the floor at the entrance to the Oxford Circus underground holding placards and chanting for justiceCredit: Reuters
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At one point, protesters who were part of the group at Oxford Circus broke out into a scuffleCredit: Reuters
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Bystanders filmed as the men threw punches amid ongoing demonstrationsCredit: Reuters
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Hundreds of people also gathered in a spot close to Grenfell Tower, as fears grow over the number of people that have diedCredit: Getty Images
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Scuffles broke out at another protest outside a refuge where Theresa May was visiting victims and relativesCredit: Alamy
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Police were forced to step in as the Prime Minister was heckled while leaving St Clement's Church near to Grenfell TowerCredit: Alamy
She told us: "I am here to support these people. We have questions.
"Why have there been no arrests? Where is Theresa May? Where are the councillors? Why were they housing the elderly, the disabled, mothers with young children on the top floor?"
Another protester said: "It's a national disgrace. Why have no hotels in this borough offered rooms?
"Why are the supermarkets not giving food trucks? Where is the government?
"That is why I am so angry."
One man with a megaphone said: "We need answers and we need answers now.
"This should not be happening in the United Kingdom, this should never happen."
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Protesters demanding justice entered Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall todayCredit: Reuters
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A separate group broke away from the other protesters as they gained access to the buildingCredit: Getty Images
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The group of around 70 were confronted police as they gathered on a stairwell in the town hallCredit: Getty Images
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The group of demonstrators chanted "it was murder" as they stormed the buildingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Police in hi-vis jackets were seen trying to clam the protesters downCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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One unknown man was caught up in the protestCredit: Reuters
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The crowds waved paper at the man as tensions mountedCredit: Reuters
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Police entered the building in an attempt to calm the situationCredit: Reuters
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Protesters have gathered outside waving placardsCredit: Getty Images
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Protesters chanted for "answers" as they gathered outside the council building todayCredit: Reuters
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One demonstrator covered his face as he prepared to enter the buildingCredit: Reuters
She left to cries of "murderer" and "coward" while being escorted to her car under heavy police presence.
It comes after she announced a £5 million fund for emergency supplies, food and clothing during a meeting with survivors of the disaster.
During the meeting at the refuge, May told residents they will be asked how the public inquiry into the devastating fire should be carried out.
She also said that survivors and families of those who died in the blaze will be given state funding for legal representation at the probe.
It follows warnings the inquiry may take years to conclude and may never establish the truth of what happened.
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Protesters in a separate group outside the building called for calmCredit: Getty Images
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A sea of people were seen inside the town hall wanting answersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Many chanted for justice after entering the buildingCredit: Getty Images
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Sadness has turned to anger for locals who want to know how the fire was able to happenCredit: Reuters
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Locals want to know why those made homeless by the blaze can't be rehoused in the boroughCredit: Reuters
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Some of the protesters had photos showing some of the children missing following the blazeCredit: Getty Images
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Protesters also waved signs saying they were "livid"Credit: EPA
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Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the town hall demanding justiceCredit: Sky News
But tensions mounted as locals demanded to know how the devastating fire was allowed to happen as they shouted "cowards" and "liars".
But there were calls for calm outside as one speaker said: "The world is watching. We are not animals. I am a man."
Police and security guards confronted around 60 people from the crowd in the building as they gathered on a stairwell.
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A protester waves a page from The Sun showing the faces of the missing while outside the town hallCredit: Reuters
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Cops lead a man out of the council building as emotions reached breaking pointCredit: Reuters
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A policeman's hat is dislodged and tossed into the air during the chaosCredit: Reuters
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The protests came as experts warned the fire was spread by cladding panels which are fitted to countless buildings across BritainCredit: Getty Images
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Police try to calm protesters after they stormed the town hallCredit: Reuters
Some protesters covered their faces as the atmosphere turned from sadness to anger.
They left the building at around 5.30pm chanting "Theresa May must go".
Mustafa Almansur, one of the organisers, said on the steps: “This was a tragic fire, in the richest London boroughs, in a poorly equipped building.”
Mr Almansur, 40, who lives in a £700,000 house in Wood Green, North London, lost friend Rana Ibraham, 30, who lived on the 23rd floor, in the disaster.
He said: "The outpouring of love and generosity from the public has been extraordinary, £5 million has already been raised.
"But neither the leader of the council nor his cabinet have not made any commitments to those who have suffered.
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Separate protesters carried placards as they stayed outside the town hallCredit: PA:Press Association
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It appeared to be a different story inside as tensions against the council grewCredit: Reuters
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Hundreds had attended the protest but a separate group entered the town hallCredit: PA:Press Association
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Theresa May was heckled by a group of protesters at nearby St Clement's ChurchCredit: PA:Press Association
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The protest started at around 3pm but an hour later, a smaller group broke offCredit: Getty Images
"The council has not committed any funds for the welfare of the public. We would like the leader of the council to make a statement to the media and public present today.
"We demand the chief executive and the leader respond to the victims of this tragedy.
"Firstly we want communication with victims of the Grenfell tower fire so that we know who has died. Families need to know if they have lost their loved ones.
"Particularly funding to cover the cost of rehoming the victim's of this tragedy.
"No commitment has been made to the victims to rehome them in the borough. This commitment needs to be made today.
"We demand a criminal investigation into the £10million that was spent of public money on the refurbishment of the property."
Members of the Socialist Workers Party and the Radical Housing Network joined the throng at the hall, with Mr Alamansur claiming they had “hijacked” his peaceful demo.
Tory MP David Morris blasted: “It’s sad to see genuine anger and hurt hijacked for cheap political stunts. These people should be ashamed.
“This does not come as any surprise after the vile intimidation Momentum pumped out across the country during the election.”
Shortly after 4pm the mob ignored pleas to stay calm and rushed the foyer to reach executives’ offices.
Police were briefly overwhelmed, with one officer’s helmet knocked off. Pop star Lily Allen pumped her fist in the air.
A group, some them in masks and others wearing motorcycle helmets, also tried to break into the rear of the hall.
A chorus of “You let them die” rang out and many members of the group held aloft Socialist Worker placards as colleagues rattled collection tins.
There was outrage on Twitter with one user observing: “If you have a valid protest why cover your face and resort to violence?”
Housing minister Alok Sharma had made "complete reassurances" that those affected by the blaze would be rehomed in Kensington.
He said: “Can I just be absolutely clear and reiterate what Nick [Hurd] has said is that we’re going to be working with the local authority and the Government to guarantee that every single family from Grenfell House will be rehoused in the local area."
But Kensington and Chelsea council confirmed they may have to "explore" other housing options for victims in "other parts of the capital".
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A protester appears to clash with police inside the town hallCredit: EPA
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A flood of people could be seen outside the council buildingCredit: Reuters
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Inside, tensions were mounting as emotions over the Grenfell disaster ran highCredit: Reuters
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Emotions boiled over as a group of protesters stormed the hallCredit: EPA
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Pop star Lily Allen was pictured inside Kensington and Chelsea Town HallCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Pop star Lily Allen, who has continued to lend her support to the Grenfell Tower victims, was pictured inside the town hall.
She had earlier blasted claims those affected will be forced to live outside their borough.
And she slammed reports suggesting those who lost their homes may be rehoused elsewhere in London - despite the government committing to housing them locally.
Lily referenced a article announcing the plans on Twitter, blasting: "THIS CAN NOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN".
Popstar Lily, who lives close to the affected area, has been working hard at the scene helping families and volunteers.
HOW YOU CAN DONATE TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED
Today The Sun pledges £100,000 to the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy but they also need your help.
You can make a donation by text.
Text GREN88 and the amount you wish to donate to 70070, eg GREN88 £5.
You can donate £5 or £10.
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Bedding is laid out at Westway Sports Centre where homeless Grenfell Tower residents are having to sleep on the floorCredit: Alamy
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At least 30 people have died after the fire ripped through Grenfell TowerCredit: London News Pictures
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It is feared the death toll could rise to more than 100Credit: Eyevine
Lily has previously offered beds, lifts and tea to those in need.
The 32-year-old, who lives close to the area affected, told Channel 4 News yesterday the “off-the-record” figures were “given to her by police and fire crews”.
So far, police have confirmed at least 30 people have died in the tragedy - although they have warned this figure will rise.
Meanwhile The Sun can reveal Kensington council boasted that Grenfell Tower’s fire safety standards were exemplary and should be extended to all other major works in the borough.
The claim came in a report by its director of housing shortly after the block’s controversial refurbishment.
The annual report, published on July 13, 2016, named the £10.3m refit as one of the jewels in the council’s housing programme that gave it “a commendable year based on performance”.
Fire safety was highlighted as an issue facing the social housing stock after residents raised multiple warnings. But the report insisted council officials and contractors had since carried out “regular liaison meetings” with the London Fire Brigade over the tower.
Astonishingly the report said officials would: “Extend fire safety approach adopted at Grenfell Tower to all major works projects”.
Labour MP David Lammy, who lost a friend in the fire, said last night: “This report proves the council turned a wilful blind eye to the reality staring them in the face, as reported to them by the residents in Grenfell.
“It’s another reason why both the police and public inquiry must take into account gross negligence, which could result in criminal charges.”
Newly-elected Labour MP for Kensington Emma Dent Coad this week lashed out at the Tory-run council’s relationship with contractors.
She said: “The council continues to act as PR for estate agents and developers”.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council did not respond to The Sun’s request for comment about the report’s claims.
