West London fire: Lily Allen offers ‘bed and tea’ as celebrities reach out to those affected

Allen was among a handful of celebrities who have offered support
Emma Powell14 June 2017
The Weekender

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Lily Allen has offered a ‘bed and tea’ to those affected by the devastating tower block fire in West London.

Residents were trapped “screaming for their lives” as flames tore through the 27-storey Grenfell Tower in the early hours today.

More than 50 patients have been taken to five different hospitals, with the London Fire Brigade confirming there have also been a number of fatalities.

Allen reached out to those affected on Twitter to offer help, posting: “If anyone need a bed or a lift, or tea tweet me and I'll follow back. #NorthKensington.”

Allen was hailed as an “amazing human” as followers from as far afield as America praised her for helping out.

Emma Freud offered a “roof" to the hundreds who have been made homeless, tweeting: “If anyone needs help and a roof, please let me know. We live very near and can look after you.”

Fearne Cotton also tweeted her support, posting: “Praying for all those involved in the west London fire today. A tower block that I used to live close to. Love and prayers for all involved.”

Rita Ora - who grew up near the tower block - posted a link to a list of helplines for victims.

Jeremy Clarkson encouraged the “people of Kensington” to donate clothes to those who have been left homeless by the terrifying inferno.

He posted: “People of Kensington. Remember to give what you can spare - clothes etc - to those made homeless by that terrible fire.”

Forty fire engines with 200 officers were called shortly before 1am as flames engulfed the block from the second floor upwards.

There were unconfirmed reports on social media of residents using bedsheets as makeshift ropes while others were reportedly seen jumping for their lives.

Dany Cotton, Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade described the incident as “unprecedented".

Speaking this morning he said: “Crews wearing breathing apparatus and extended duration breathing apparatus have been working in extremely challenging and very difficult conditions to rescue people and to bring this major fire under control.

“At this time I am very sad to confirm that there have been a number of fatalities.

“I cannot confirm the number at this time due to the size and complexity of this building, and it would clearly be wrong for me to speculate further. Equally, the cause of this fire is not known at this stage.”

An exclusion zone around the base of the tower was set up as residents were evacuated. A primary school close to the building will be closed today.

More than £1,000 has been raised to help those affected after a JustGiving page was set up.

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