This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/jun/16/grenfell-tower-fire-london-police-criminal-investigation-into-tragedy-latest-updates

The article has changed 36 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
Grenfell Tower fire: at least 30 confirmed dead – latest updates Grenfell Tower fire: at least 30 confirmed dead – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
1.28pm BST
13:28
Cladding on Grenfell was cheaper
Material used in the cladding that covered the Grenfell Tower was the cheaper, more flammable version of the two available options, an investigation of the supply chain has confirmed.
Omnis Exteriors manufactured the aluminium composite material (ACM) used in the cladding, a director, John Cowley, confirmed to the Guardian.
He also said Omnis had been asked to supply Reynobond PE cladding, which is £2 cheaper per square metre than the alternative Reynobond FR, which stands for “fire resistant”.
“We supplied components for a system created by the design and build team on that project,” said Cowley.
Harley Facades confirmed it had installed the panels bought from Omnis in the work it performed on Grenfell Tower.
Omnis sold ACM cladding to Harley Facades, which was responsible for installing it.
Construction firm Rydon Maintenance was the lead contractor on the project but sub-contracted elements of the work to smaller companies, including Harley.
1.26pm BST
13:26
1.25pm BST
13:25
Hadley Freeman
Almost exactly 24 hours after Downing Street said the Prime Minister couldn’t possibly meet victims of the Grenfell disaster because of security concerns, the Queen and Prince William’s visit to Latimer Road came with minimal security.
They drove up in a green Range Rover - dog gates up at the back, although the corgis stayed at home - with so little fanfare several locals walked right past them, unaware of the identities of the latest well-wishers to Westway Sports Centre, applauding instead the firefighters who walked behind her.
The Centre, in the shadow of the now burnt out shell of the Grenfell, has, in the past 48 hours, become a shelter for residents left homeless by the tragedy: the usually popular basketball courts are filled with boxes of donations while volunteers estimate about 30 people are still sleeping in the Centre, many of whom almost certainly used to use the facilities for very different purposes.
The Queen, in matching royal blue coat and hat, accompanied by her grandson, spoke first to volunteers and policemen before meeting some of the victims outside. “She looked like she had so much compassion, like she understood what we’ve been through,” said Rihanna Levi, 17, who spoke to her and lived next to the tower.
“She spoke about how awful it must have been in the stairways when the lights went out and there was so much smoke,” Levi added.
“I can’t say I’m surprised because I always knew she was someone who cared,” added Vassilli Stavropol-Loren, who has lived in a neighbouring tower block for 34 years.
“She understood the gravity.” How did they feel about the other politicians who have visited? “You could see Corbyn stands by his word,” said Rihanna Levi’s mother, Marcia.
And the Prime Minister? Naomi, Rihanna’s 28-year-old sister, shrugged: “I have no words about that woman.”
She did, however, have plenty of words about the council. She said: “We’ve seen no one from the council. No one. And we can’t even get through to the TMO. I have an eight year old child and yesterday we had to sleep in the park for four hours. But the police and firefighters have been terrific, always checking we have water.”
The Queen and Prince William stayed inside the Centre for 20 minutes, leaving at a leisurely pace and declining to pose for photos. At this point a small group of locals had gathered outside and started shouting at her, begging her to look at photos of their missing loved ones. The Queen glanced towards them, nodded, smiled and left.
One man shouted furiously at her departing car, holding a photo of two babies he said were family members. He said they were “left to die in that tower”, adding: “Where was the Queen before this? Where was the government? Where was the media? You only come now! Left to die here by all of you, and the police, and firefighters.”
“Not the police and firefighters,” another local rebuked him. “Ok, not them,” he agreed.
Updated
at 1.26pm BST
1.09pm BST
13:09
Here are the main points from the Met commander Stuart Cundy’s press conference.
The investigation
The investigation will establish the facts. This will be about providing as best we possibly can answers for those that have been so deeply and tragically affected by the terrible fire here at Grenfell Tower. The investigation will look into what criminal offences may have been committed. It will be undertaken by a number of specialist detectives using expertise and specialism from other organisations where required.
Our specialist investigators and experts have examined what we believe is the original location where the fire started. Based on what we know there is nothing to suggest that the fire was started deliberately.
It is important that we can find the answers as to what has happened and why.
If criminal offences have been committed it is us who will investigate that.
The victims
Sadly, as I’ve said before, we always knew that the number of those that have died would increase. At this point in time we know that at least 30 people have died as a result of this fire. Sadly and tragically that includes one person who was taken to hospital and despite the very best medical care, from the NHS, has now sadly died.
Twelve of those victims have been taken to the mortuary. A number of those bodies, sadly still remain here within Grenfell Tower.
The search for bodies
There are no fires within the building … The conditions within Grenfell Tower are particularly hazardous. It is going to take us a considerable period of time to fully work through Grenfell Tower over the coming weeks to ensure that we complete our investigation here within the building itself. As an absolute priority, what we are all doing is, as quickly and with as much dignity as we can, recovering those that are still inside. Sadly we do not expected there to be any survivors.
Delay in identifying victims
I will only say something that I know to be true. I know at this point in time that there are at least 30 people that have died in this fire. The very nature of the intense fire that has occurred … I do believe that the number will increase.
The building itself is in a very hazardous state. It is going to take a period of time for our specialists, both from the police and the London fire brigade, to fully search that building to make sure we locate and recover everybody that has sadly perished in that fire.
I completely understand the need for those that have lost loved ones, that as quick as we can we are able to confirm that.
The missing
We have specialist and dedicated family liaison officers supporting 36 families. It is difficult to know how many are missing. Through our casualty bureau we are working through often duplicate calls, where people have phoned in to report a loved one as missing. There are considerable number of those calls which we need to work through to identify the final number. As soon as we have a number that I’m content is accurate I will be sharing that.
The injured
The latest update from the hospitals is that we still have 24 people who are being treated, 12 of those are in critical care. Everybody who is in hospitals has been identified and their families are aware.
Updated
at 1.21pm BST
12.37pm BST12.37pm BST
12:3712:37
Khadija Saye named as victimKhadija Saye named as victim
Caroline Davies
The artist Khadija Saye has been named as one of the victims, according to a family friend, the Labour MP David Lammy.The artist Khadija Saye has been named as one of the victims, according to a family friend, the Labour MP David Lammy.
May you rest in peace Khadija Saye. God bless your beautiful soul. My heart breaks today. I mourn the tragic loss of a wonderful young woman pic.twitter.com/KdIPs34FvAMay you rest in peace Khadija Saye. God bless your beautiful soul. My heart breaks today. I mourn the tragic loss of a wonderful young woman pic.twitter.com/KdIPs34FvA
Saye, 24, was in her flat on the 20th floor with her mother, Mary Mendy.
She had posted on Facebook that she was unable to get out of the flat because the smoke was too thick. Family members confirmed the news to Sky News. Saye, a photographer, had recently exhibited at the Venice Biennale.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.38pm BST at 1.11pm BST
12.32pm BST12.32pm BST
12:3212:32
Cundy was asked why it was taking so long to identify the victims. “I do believe the number will increase,” he said. The building is in a hazardous condition, he said.Cundy was asked why it was taking so long to identify the victims. “I do believe the number will increase,” he said. The building is in a hazardous condition, he said.
He said he would only give figures the police are certain about.He said he would only give figures the police are certain about.
Cundy is heckled by residents.Cundy is heckled by residents.
He said he can’t say how many people are missing. Everyone being treated in hospitals has been identified, Cundy said.He said he can’t say how many people are missing. Everyone being treated in hospitals has been identified, Cundy said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.34pm BSTat 12.34pm BST
12.26pm BST12.26pm BST
12:2612:26
Met: 'we don't expect survivors'Met: 'we don't expect survivors'
There is nothing to suggest the fire was started deliberately, Cundy said.There is nothing to suggest the fire was started deliberately, Cundy said.
The investigation into the cause of the fire will take weeks, he added.The investigation into the cause of the fire will take weeks, he added.
“Sadly we do not expect there to be any survivors,” Cundy said.“Sadly we do not expect there to be any survivors,” Cundy said.
12.24pm BST12.24pm BST
12:2412:24
30 people confirmed dead30 people confirmed dead
The Met police commander, Stuart Cundy, said: “We know that at least 30 people who have died.”The Met police commander, Stuart Cundy, said: “We know that at least 30 people who have died.”
One of those included someone who was taken to hospital, he said.One of those included someone who was taken to hospital, he said.
The bodies have been taken to a morgue, but more bodies remain in the building, Cundy said.The bodies have been taken to a morgue, but more bodies remain in the building, Cundy said.
We always knew that the death toll would increase, Cundy said.We always knew that the death toll would increase, Cundy said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.28pm BSTat 12.28pm BST
12.21pm BST12.21pm BST
12:2112:21
The government appears to be determined to show that ministers are willing to listen to victims of the fire today, after the prime minister refused to do so yesterday.The government appears to be determined to show that ministers are willing to listen to victims of the fire today, after the prime minister refused to do so yesterday.
The communities secretary, Sajid Javid, said the government was doing all it could.The communities secretary, Sajid Javid, said the government was doing all it could.
Speaking to the BBC after visiting the Westway sports centre, he said:Speaking to the BBC after visiting the Westway sports centre, he said:
I’m listening to the victims about some of their particular needs. I heard one family just say they have sadly lost their father, they don’t know yet. The mother has asked if her son, who doesn’t live locally, can be with her, and we have said absolutely. We should be helping in every way we can to try to bring comfort to these families at this very very difficult time.I’m listening to the victims about some of their particular needs. I heard one family just say they have sadly lost their father, they don’t know yet. The mother has asked if her son, who doesn’t live locally, can be with her, and we have said absolutely. We should be helping in every way we can to try to bring comfort to these families at this very very difficult time.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.27pm BSTat 12.27pm BST
12.11pm BST12.11pm BST
12:1112:11
The former chancellor George Osborne is using his new position as editor of the London Evening Standard to criticise the way his former colleagues are handling the aftermath of the fire.The former chancellor George Osborne is using his new position as editor of the London Evening Standard to criticise the way his former colleagues are handling the aftermath of the fire.
1st edition @EveningStandard has Commons Leader confronted over #GrenfellTower + inside the Tory campaign & exclusive Andy Murray interview pic.twitter.com/Dn1yhGTZ3o1st edition @EveningStandard has Commons Leader confronted over #GrenfellTower + inside the Tory campaign & exclusive Andy Murray interview pic.twitter.com/Dn1yhGTZ3o
Our @adamstoon1 @EveningStandard today as anger grows #GrenfellTower pic.twitter.com/SMPLMCZnXoOur @adamstoon1 @EveningStandard today as anger grows #GrenfellTower pic.twitter.com/SMPLMCZnXo
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.14pm BSTat 12.14pm BST
12.07pm BST12.07pm BST
12:0712:07
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
There were emotionally charged scenes as the Queen and Duke of Cambridge left the Westway sports centre.There were emotionally charged scenes as the Queen and Duke of Cambridge left the Westway sports centre.
Stood beneath the rumbling Westway flyover, the Queen and Prince William had finished meeting firefighters and police officers who responded to the Grenfell Tower fire, when a distraught man beckoned them to come over.Stood beneath the rumbling Westway flyover, the Queen and Prince William had finished meeting firefighters and police officers who responded to the Grenfell Tower fire, when a distraught man beckoned them to come over.
Clutching a missing appeal poster for siblings Firdaws and Yahya, Rami Mohamed said he was a friend of the missing children’s family.Clutching a missing appeal poster for siblings Firdaws and Yahya, Rami Mohamed said he was a friend of the missing children’s family.
The Queen climbed into her Range Rover escort as the Prince apologised and pledged to “come back” to the Westway centre, which is operating as a relief centre for displaced evacuees and family members of the missing.The Queen climbed into her Range Rover escort as the Prince apologised and pledged to “come back” to the Westway centre, which is operating as a relief centre for displaced evacuees and family members of the missing.
When the royal family departed, Mohamed said he was frustrated that so many people arrived for the monarch but felt like his friends were being left behind.When the royal family departed, Mohamed said he was frustrated that so many people arrived for the monarch but felt like his friends were being left behind.
The Queen and the prince spent about 30 minutes in the centre visiting those affected, the day after Theresa May declined to visit the area over security concerns.The Queen and the prince spent about 30 minutes in the centre visiting those affected, the day after Theresa May declined to visit the area over security concerns.
Rami Mohamed, clutching a missing appeal poster of siblings Firdaws and Yahya, beckoned the Queen and Prince William to come over to him. pic.twitter.com/UykxIy4Qx7Rami Mohamed, clutching a missing appeal poster of siblings Firdaws and Yahya, beckoned the Queen and Prince William to come over to him. pic.twitter.com/UykxIy4Qx7
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.13pm BST at 1.28pm BST
12.01pm BST12.01pm BST
12:0112:01
Theresa May visits victims at hospitalTheresa May visits victims at hospital
Theresa May has been filmed entering the Chelsea and Westminster where nine of the victims are being treated.Theresa May has been filmed entering the Chelsea and Westminster where nine of the victims are being treated.
An update from NHS England on Thursday said seven victims of the fire were in critical care at the hospital.An update from NHS England on Thursday said seven victims of the fire were in critical care at the hospital.
May is facing mounting criticism of her response to the tragedy after she failed to meet residents on a visit to the scene on Thursday.May is facing mounting criticism of her response to the tragedy after she failed to meet residents on a visit to the scene on Thursday.
11.41am BST11.41am BST
11:4111:41
Here’s confirmation of the Queen meeting residents before Theresa May managed to do so.Here’s confirmation of the Queen meeting residents before Theresa May managed to do so.
The Queen and The Duke are meeting members of the emergency services, as well as local residents and community representatives. pic.twitter.com/Mx9ZaVNSU7The Queen and The Duke are meeting members of the emergency services, as well as local residents and community representatives. pic.twitter.com/Mx9ZaVNSU7
The Queen and Duke of Cambridge are talking to firefighters outside the Westway sports centre #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/TP37zdjlX2The Queen and Duke of Cambridge are talking to firefighters outside the Westway sports centre #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/TP37zdjlX2
Theresa May continues to face criticism for her handling of the aftermath of the fire.Theresa May continues to face criticism for her handling of the aftermath of the fire.
So Corbyn met the victims. Sadiq Khan met the victims. The Queen has met the victims. But the PM sent Andrea Leadsom instead? Just unreal https://t.co/jEqb7XrbNkSo Corbyn met the victims. Sadiq Khan met the victims. The Queen has met the victims. But the PM sent Andrea Leadsom instead? Just unreal https://t.co/jEqb7XrbNk
The Queen has just arrived at the relief centre to meet those affected so I think the "security fears" argument for May is rather redundantThe Queen has just arrived at the relief centre to meet those affected so I think the "security fears" argument for May is rather redundant
The Queen & Prince William look pretty safe & secure to me right now Ms May. #GrenfellTower #LondonFireThe Queen & Prince William look pretty safe & secure to me right now Ms May. #GrenfellTower #LondonFire
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.45am BSTat 11.45am BST
11.34am BST11.34am BST
11:3411:34
David PeggDavid Pegg
The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has called for homes to be “requisitioned if necessary” in order to house those left homeless by the Grenfell Tower disaster. He also condemned the practice of buy-to-leave.The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has called for homes to be “requisitioned if necessary” in order to house those left homeless by the Grenfell Tower disaster. He also condemned the practice of buy-to-leave.
“It is hardly acceptable that in London you have luxury buildings and luxury flats kept empty, as land banks for the future, while the homeless and the poor look for somewhere to live,” he said.“It is hardly acceptable that in London you have luxury buildings and luxury flats kept empty, as land banks for the future, while the homeless and the poor look for somewhere to live,” he said.
Kensington and Chelsea has more empty properties than any other borough in the capital, government figures indicate.Kensington and Chelsea has more empty properties than any other borough in the capital, government figures indicate.
Data on occupied and vacant housing stock from the Department of Communities and Local Government shows that 1,399 dwellings in the borough were long-term vacant as of last year.Data on occupied and vacant housing stock from the Department of Communities and Local Government shows that 1,399 dwellings in the borough were long-term vacant as of last year.
With a total of 86,920 dwellings, that amounts to about 1.61% of all dwellings. ‘Long-term vacant’ properties have been empty for more than six months, so the figure excludes properties that might be between sales or temporarily unoccupied.With a total of 86,920 dwellings, that amounts to about 1.61% of all dwellings. ‘Long-term vacant’ properties have been empty for more than six months, so the figure excludes properties that might be between sales or temporarily unoccupied.
Kensington and Chelsea, one of the richest boroughs in the country, imposes an “empty homes premium” of an extra 50% on the council tax payable for uninhabited properties. The second highest proportion of empty homes was in Camden, where 1,114 homes, or 1.09% of the total, were long-term vacant. In Hackney, the figure was 1,046, or 0.97%.Kensington and Chelsea, one of the richest boroughs in the country, imposes an “empty homes premium” of an extra 50% on the council tax payable for uninhabited properties. The second highest proportion of empty homes was in Camden, where 1,114 homes, or 1.09% of the total, were long-term vacant. In Hackney, the figure was 1,046, or 0.97%.
Reasons for homes being left empty are often complex. In some instances the home will have fallen into such a state of disrepair that renovating it is too expensive for the owner. In other instances it can be as a result of “buy to leave”, whereby investors acquire property solely as an asset that will appreciate thanks to London’s booming property market.Reasons for homes being left empty are often complex. In some instances the home will have fallen into such a state of disrepair that renovating it is too expensive for the owner. In other instances it can be as a result of “buy to leave”, whereby investors acquire property solely as an asset that will appreciate thanks to London’s booming property market.
There are an array of other measures councils can take to reduce vacant housing stock, such as financing the renovation of decrepit properties, and even mechanisms to force landlords to return properties to use. But some are so complicated that they are “ignored” or not used.There are an array of other measures councils can take to reduce vacant housing stock, such as financing the renovation of decrepit properties, and even mechanisms to force landlords to return properties to use. But some are so complicated that they are “ignored” or not used.
Last year the Guardian established that more than 8,500 homes across the capital had been empty for more than two years. 1,100 had been left empty for more than a decade.Last year the Guardian established that more than 8,500 homes across the capital had been empty for more than two years. 1,100 had been left empty for more than a decade.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.06pm BSTat 12.06pm BST
11.26am BST11.26am BST
11:2611:26
Sarah MarshSarah Marsh
These are the top “how to help” questions being asked on Google.These are the top “how to help” questions being asked on Google.
"How to help London fire victims?" - London fire: top UK questions on helping in the last 24 hours pic.twitter.com/BIJJNx0Bn8"How to help London fire victims?" - London fire: top UK questions on helping in the last 24 hours pic.twitter.com/BIJJNx0Bn8
Here are the answers:Here are the answers:
How to help London fire victims?How to help London fire victims?
Many have given food and clothes, writing messages of support and donating to various fundraising websites. But volunteers are struggling to cope with the amount of physical donations, and have suggest cash donations would be more helpful.Many have given food and clothes, writing messages of support and donating to various fundraising websites. But volunteers are struggling to cope with the amount of physical donations, and have suggest cash donations would be more helpful.
Thanks to everyone tweeting and asking to help!❤ Pls hold off on donations for now. All centres are currently full. #Grenfell #GrenfellTower pic.twitter.com/pv6AlQs44GThanks to everyone tweeting and asking to help!❤ Pls hold off on donations for now. All centres are currently full. #Grenfell #GrenfellTower pic.twitter.com/pv6AlQs44G
How to donate to London fire victims?Donation drop-off points have received a huge number of items. Please check what’s needed before heading to chosen collection points. Donation centres within the Grenfell area are particularly inundated with donations. Harrow Club urged people to stop sending donations.How to donate to London fire victims?Donation drop-off points have received a huge number of items. Please check what’s needed before heading to chosen collection points. Donation centres within the Grenfell area are particularly inundated with donations. Harrow Club urged people to stop sending donations.
Thankyou for the amazing donations but to reiterate we cannot take anymore from you generous people. We will update should that change ✌Thankyou for the amazing donations but to reiterate we cannot take anymore from you generous people. We will update should that change ✌
The Rugby Portobello Trust said it could not accept donations at this time as they need to sort and distribute what they have so far. They also said they do not require volunteers at this time.The Rugby Portobello Trust said it could not accept donations at this time as they need to sort and distribute what they have so far. They also said they do not require volunteers at this time.
An independent website has been set up to share information in relation to Grenfell. The site includes a full list of where you can donate. It also says whether these sites are collecting or not.An independent website has been set up to share information in relation to Grenfell. The site includes a full list of where you can donate. It also says whether these sites are collecting or not.
Where to donate clothes for fire victims?Where to donate clothes for fire victims?
The sites still collecting clothes include the Central Gurdwara (The Big Sikh Temple) and Corpus Christi College JCR on Merton Street, Oxford. However, many other places already have enough clothes and have asked for no more.The sites still collecting clothes include the Central Gurdwara (The Big Sikh Temple) and Corpus Christi College JCR on Merton Street, Oxford. However, many other places already have enough clothes and have asked for no more.
What to donate to the fire victims?What to donate to the fire victims?
Check first, but items that may be helpful include:Check first, but items that may be helpful include:
NappiesNappies
Baby food and formulaBaby food and formula
HijabsHijabs
ClothesClothes
Toothbrushes and toiletries (making up care packs would be great)Toothbrushes and toiletries (making up care packs would be great)
Phone chargersPhone chargers
Hot mealsHot meals
BlanketsBlankets
WaterWater
Sanitary towelsSanitary towels
Alternatively you can make a cash donation to a new Red Cross appeal.Alternatively you can make a cash donation to a new Red Cross appeal.
How to donate to firefighters?How to donate to firefighters?
Various websites are calling for donations, including this JustGiving one specifically for firefighters.Various websites are calling for donations, including this JustGiving one specifically for firefighters.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.42am BSTat 11.42am BST
11.10am BST11.10am BST
11:1011:10
The Queen arrived with her grandson the Duke of Cambridge at a rest centre helping those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.The Queen arrived with her grandson the Duke of Cambridge at a rest centre helping those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
They are meeting volunteers, local residents and community representatives at the Westway Sports Centre, near the charred remains of the building in west London.They are meeting volunteers, local residents and community representatives at the Westway Sports Centre, near the charred remains of the building in west London.
On Thursday the Queen paid tribute to the “bravery” of firefighters who battled the fire and praised the “incredible generosity” of volunteers offering their support.On Thursday the Queen paid tribute to the “bravery” of firefighters who battled the fire and praised the “incredible generosity” of volunteers offering their support.
Earlier the communities secretary, Sajid Javid, also visited the centre after pledging to meet residents.Earlier the communities secretary, Sajid Javid, also visited the centre after pledging to meet residents.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.26am BSTat 11.26am BST
11.02am BST11.02am BST
11:0211:02
Queen visits the sceneQueen visits the scene
The Queen looks set to beat the prime minister in meeting some of the victims.The Queen looks set to beat the prime minister in meeting some of the victims.
She has arrived at the scene and has begun talking to volunteers and members of the emergency services at Westway sports centre.She has arrived at the scene and has begun talking to volunteers and members of the emergency services at Westway sports centre.
The Queen’s visit challenges Downing Street’s line that the prime minister couldn’t meet some of those involved because of security concerns.The Queen’s visit challenges Downing Street’s line that the prime minister couldn’t meet some of those involved because of security concerns.
It has been confirmed that Theresa May will visit some of the victims in hospital later today.It has been confirmed that Theresa May will visit some of the victims in hospital later today.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.12am BSTat 11.12am BST
10.55am BST10.55am BST
10:5510:55
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Sawsan Choucair is missing six members of her family who all lived on the 22nd floor of Grenfell Tower.Sawsan Choucair is missing six members of her family who all lived on the 22nd floor of Grenfell Tower.
She stood at the tribute wall at Latymer community church, talking to as many reporters as she can. Choucair said she is “devastated” and is desperate for information from the authorities, which she said has been lacking to non-existent.She stood at the tribute wall at Latymer community church, talking to as many reporters as she can. Choucair said she is “devastated” and is desperate for information from the authorities, which she said has been lacking to non-existent.
She is missing her mother Sirria; her sister Nadir; her brother-in-law Bassem; her 14-year-old niece Mirena; her 11-year-old niece Fatima and her three-year-old niece Zienab.She is missing her mother Sirria; her sister Nadir; her brother-in-law Bassem; her 14-year-old niece Mirena; her 11-year-old niece Fatima and her three-year-old niece Zienab.
Choucair lived on a lower floor in the tower but was at a friend’s home when the fire broke out. “I was panicking, shaking when I found out,” she said.Choucair lived on a lower floor in the tower but was at a friend’s home when the fire broke out. “I was panicking, shaking when I found out,” she said.
We don’t have any information. No one is giving us information. We all need people to inform us. We’re just hoping we get information. The only people helping are the media who are interviewing me. I’m not here to blame anyone, my main concern is my family.We don’t have any information. No one is giving us information. We all need people to inform us. We’re just hoping we get information. The only people helping are the media who are interviewing me. I’m not here to blame anyone, my main concern is my family.
Choucair said despite facing the worst possible scenario, “I still have some hope”. Posters of her missing loved ones have been plastered on the church and at other key venues around the cordon.Choucair said despite facing the worst possible scenario, “I still have some hope”. Posters of her missing loved ones have been plastered on the church and at other key venues around the cordon.
This is Sawsan Choucair. Her mum, sister, brother in law and three nieces are missing. They all lived on 22nd floor. pic.twitter.com/ZLmNvhW4DPThis is Sawsan Choucair. Her mum, sister, brother in law and three nieces are missing. They all lived on 22nd floor. pic.twitter.com/ZLmNvhW4DP
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.01am BSTat 11.01am BST