An investigation has been launched into a fire at the Grenfell Tower block in London.

At least 17 people have been killed following the blaze at the 24-storey building in north Kensington in the early hours of Wednesday, 14 June.

Police have confirmed they expect the number of fatalities to rise and over 30 people remain in hospital.

It is understood the investigation will focus on the building design and construction, specifically on cladding work. The building recently underwent a £8.6 million upgrade in 2016, part of a £57m borough-wide regeneration in Kensington & Chelsea.

North Kensington London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said: "This is an unprecedented situation, with a major fire that has affected all floors of this 24 storey building, from the second floor up. In my 29 years with London Fire Brigade I have never seen a fire of this nature."

Harley Facades Limited completed the refurbishment work to Grenfell Tower alongside main contractor Rydon.

In a statement, Harley Facades said its work included the installation of exterior cladding, adding the Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panels used on the scheme are a commonly used product in the refurbishment industry.

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Ray Bailey, Managing Director said: "This is an incredibly tragic incident.  Our thoughts are with the residents and their families who have suffered such a personal loss. We will fully support and cooperate with the investigations into this fire.

"There will be many questions about this whole incident and so you will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for us to comment or for others to speculate on any aspect of fire or it causes in advance of these inquiries. At this time, we are not aware of any link between the fire and the exterior cladding to the tower."

In a statement, Rydon said: "We are shocked to hear of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower and our immediate thoughts are with those that have been affected by the incident, their families, relatives and friends.

"Rydon completed a refurbishment of the building in the summer of 2016 for KCTMO (Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation) on behalf of the Council, which met all required building control, fire regulation and health & safety standards.

"We will cooperate with the relevant authorities and emergency services and fully support their enquiries into the causes of this fire at the appropriate time."

However, fire expert Arnold Tarling from property company Hindwoods, said cladding creates 25mm-30mm cavities between the buildings insulation.

"It produces a wind tunnel and also traps any burning material between the rain cladding and the building," he said.

"So had it been insulated per se, the insulation could fall off and fall away from the building, but this is all contained inside.

He said not all insulation used in the process is the more expensive non-flammable type.

"So basically you have got a cavity with a fire spreading behind it," he said.

Angus Law, of the BRE Centre for Fire Safety Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, added: "Early media reports suggest that this event has similarities with other fires that have occurred recently around the world.

"The UK's regulatory framework for tall residential buildings is intended to prevent the spread of fire between floors and between apartments.

"If spread of fire does occur, as has happened at Grenfell Tower, the consequences are often catastrophic."

(LM/MH)