Sadiq Khan has said there are "questions that have to be answered" after Grenfell Tower residents were advised to remain in their flats in the event of a fire.

The London Mayor has condemned the "bad advice" given to the occupants of the north Kensington tower block, which was engulfed in flames in the early hours of this morning, sending at least 50 people to hospital (the number of fatalities has not been confirmed yet).

A 2014 newsletter recommended a "stay put" policy because the tower block had been designed to "rigorous fire safety standards" (via The Independent).

Khan added: "Thankfully residents didn't take that advice but fled... these are some of the questions that have to be answered.

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"We have lots of people in London living in tower blocks... We can't have peoples lives being put at risk because of bad advice or lack of maintenance."

Several people have died in the fire, and 50 people are being treated in hospital, London Ambulance have confirmed.

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London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said there had been "a number of fatalities", but could not say how many due to the "size and complexity" of the building (via the BBC).

Earlier today, Khan declared the blaze "a major incident", tweeting: "Major incident declared at Grenfell Tower in Kensington. 40 fire engines & 200 firefighters at the scene - follow for updates."

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police have set up an emergency number for anyone concerned about friends or family members. That number is 0800 0961 233.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have said that an emergency rest centre is open for evacuees at the Harrow Centre, Freston Road.

From: Harper's BAZAAR UK
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Naomi Gordon

Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.