Grenfell Tower tragedy sees conspiracy theorists post claims of cover-up on social media
SOCIAL media conspiracy theorists posted bonkers claims the government had blocked journalists reporting the total number of dead.
The rumours have been fuelled by the slow rise in those officially confirmed to have been killed in the blaze by authorities.
Groups of protesters chanted “17 is a lie!” outside Kensington Town hall over the official number of confirmed victims.
Authorities raised that total to 30 with reports there are around 70 people missing in total.
Police and fire teams have been painstakingly searching the gutted Grenfell Tower block and only confirm those killed once they have been identified.
A D-Notice – actually called a DSMA-Notice – is a government order issued to the media to voluntarily ask them to not publish material which could harm national security or police operations.
HOW YOU CAN DONATE TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED
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.
But Twitter users supported by left-wing websites had claimed the government issued a “D-Notice” to stop the media publishing the real death figures.
In one post on a left-wing site the title read: “GOVT “PUTS ‘D-NOTICE’ GAG” ON REAL #GRENFELL DEATH TOLL #NATIONALSECURITY” The article on Skwawkbox claimed multiple sources had confirmed the story and that the site had telephoned the Home Office to ask whether it was true – despite the department not being in control of the notices.
Aaron Bastani, from left-wing site Novara Media, said on Twitter he was also contacting the Home Office over the rumour.
Currently there are five DSMA notices in action which can be read by the public and cover names of MI5 and MI6 agents, details of troop deployments and specifications of some weapons.