‘We Want Justice’: Angry Locals Storm Chelsea Council After Fire Disaster

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Dan Kitwood/Getty

Angry locals have stormed the buildings of Kensington and Chelsea council, demanding “answers” and “justice” after the Grenfell Tower fire.

Between 400 and 500 people gathered outside the local authority buildings, with frustration boiling over and a crowd running towards the doors.

Footage on the BBC showed around 50 to 100 people getting inside, with others banging on the doors and shouting “we want justice!”

Council officials refused to address the crowd but responded to demands from locals in a written statement.

Demonstrators were not satisfied, however, as there were no assurances given that victims would be housed locally in the borough or given full financial compensation.

At least 30 people have been confirmed dead, 24 are still receiving treatment, of which 12 are still in critical care, and at least 70 are missing after what has been described as Britain’s worst disaster since Hillsborough.

The council has been criticised for not investing in local housing, and for allegedly prioritising ‘eco’ concerns and aesthetics over fire safety in a 2016 multi-million pound refurbishment of the block.

It is claimed the council chose cheaper, non-fire resistant insulation panels to erect around the building, rather than spend £5000 extra on a safer option.

Update:

London Fire Protest

The moment protesters storm their town hall demanding help for the victims of the London fire. #GrenfellTower

bbc.in/2t8C950

Posted by BBC News on Friday, 16 June 2017

 

Protesters storm Kensington Town Hall on June 16, 2017 in London, England. 30 people have been confirmed dead and dozens still missing after the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road was engulfed in flames in the early hours of June 14. (Dan Kitwood/Getty)

People gather outside Kensington Town Hall on June 16, 2017, to demand justice for those affected by the fire that gutted Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in west London on June 14. (DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty)

A protester holds a list of names of those she feels should be questioned, as people call for justice for those affected by the fire that gutted Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in west London on June 14, during a protest outside Kensington Town Hall on June 16, 2017. (DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty)

People protests holding banners near Grenfell Tower on June 16, 2017 in London, England. 30 people have been confirmed dead and dozens still missing after the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road was engulfed in flames in the early hours of June 14. (Dan Kitwood/Getty)

People gather outside Kensington Town Hall on June 16, 2017, to demand justice for those affected by the fire that gutted Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in west London on June 14. (DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty)

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