Damping down and recovery of victims at Grenfell Tower. Image:The London Fire Brigade @Londonfire

The Met Police say at least 17 people have died in the West London tower block fire disaster.

But the figure is expected to rise significantly.

#GrenfellFire tower now a darkened shell in the sun. Death toll up to 17 – @LondonFire chief says full search could take weeks. pic.twitter.com/wWLUqtYyVr

— David Wilcock (@DavidWilcockPA) June 15, 2017

An eyewitness – 'shaking with anger' – says there was plenty of time to rescue people, and advice to "stay put" led to 'hundreds of deaths'. pic.twitter.com/FulHzWF6oZ

— Victoria Derbyshire (@VictoriaLIVE) June 15, 2017

"The richest council in the country and there's not enough money to refurbish the fire escape? Outrageous."

– Cllr Blakeman#GrenfellTower pic.twitter.com/oWPII2WOD3

— Victoria Derbyshire (@VictoriaLIVE) June 15, 2017

London fire crews are continuing to dampen the deadly fire in Latimer Road, West London.

Grenfell Tower is still smouldering.

#GrenfellTower London fire: Crews work through night to dampen deadly firehttps://t.co/lvyGL7es71 pic.twitter.com/xzW2gRbTWJ

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 15, 2017

It’s too dangerous for firefighters to explore the edges of the building.

It is not safe for fire crews to go to the edges of #GrenfellTower. It would be a “miracle” to find anyone else alive, @LFBCommissioner says pic.twitter.com/UuZPmXcII3

— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 15, 2017

London’s fire commissioner said it would be a miracle if anyone caught up in the building’s inferno is still alive.

Emergency services are now engaged in an operation to recover and identify bodies.

#GrenfellTower fire: Death toll “will sadly increase”, police say https://t.co/mcezh9S5b7 pic.twitter.com/9zUl3DeG0b

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 15, 2017

“I have never seen a fire like this in my career” – London fire chief on #GrenfellTower https://t.co/mcezh9S5b7 pic.twitter.com/ajaDx2QuzE

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 15, 2017

The extraordinary bravery of firefighters and other emergency workers is being singled out for appreciation.

Terrifying video shows firefighters tackling the blaze as debris falls past them. Their bravery has been praised by the Mayor of London. pic.twitter.com/0XbuAdbtFm

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) June 14, 2017

“First ones in, last ones out.. Incredible.”

Praise, tributes pour in for ‘hero’ London firefighters https://t.co/ebPf04vMCI pic.twitter.com/EauFtD7bMN

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 15, 2017

The generosity of Londoners who responded immediately to provide shelter, refuge, consolation, clothing, food and other supplies has also been apparent.

Respect your youngsters 💕 #GrenfellTower #LondonFire #LatimerRoad #GrenfellTowerFire pic.twitter.com/g3vSjighJ7

— Max Black (@MaxineABlack) June 14, 2017

Amazing! Some of the contributions from ordinary members of public to those affected by #GrenfellTower. London at its best! #978SX pic.twitter.com/goCXr8iyJS

— MPS Barnet (@MPSBarnet) June 15, 2017

Her Majesty the Queen has expressed her sympathy and condolences to all those affected.

The Queen pays tribute to bravery of firefighters & generosity of community volunteers after #GrenfellTower fire https://t.co/uWBwqifyG3 pic.twitter.com/7xmgqLRiTs

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 15, 2017

LATEST: PM May arrives at burnt tower block in west London – Reuters photographer pic.twitter.com/Wfap5nmltd

— Reuters UK (@ReutersUK) June 15, 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May promises a "proper investigation" following the Grenfell Tower fire pic.twitter.com/fMTcnQhCcV

— Press Association (@PA) June 15, 2017

LIVE: Jeremy Corbyn visits St Clement's church where displaced people are gathered after the Grenfell Tower fire: https://t.co/mihatmpS3j pic.twitter.com/sXKR2zfRdU

— Reuters UK (@ReutersUK) June 15, 2017