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Arsonists set fire to a block of flats just a mile from Grenfell Tower which left one person dead, police say

Arsonists set fire to a block of flats just a mile away from Grenfell Tower, which left one dead, police say.

The fire broke out in a block yesterday afternoon but did not spread to any other flats.
Police say the fire could have been arson and are treating it as suspicious.

Officers were called by London Fire Brigade at around 2.50pm on Sunday to a fire at a flat in Kensington and Chelsea, west London, a short walk from Grenfell Tower.

Officers, firefighter and paramedics rushed to the scene and the body of an adult was found inside the flat.

Police are still trying to establish the identity of the deceased as gender has not been confirmed, the Met say.

The flat has been searched and emergency services say there are no other causalities.

Cordons are still in place around the scene this morning (Mon), and neighbouring flats were evacuated as a precaution.

Police are treating the blaze as suspicious but so far no one has been arrested and enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing, the Met say.

A spokesman for the force said: “Police officers are working alongside London Fire Brigade colleagues to establish the cause of a fatal fire in Kensington and Chelsea.

“Police were called by London Fire Brigade (LFB) at around 2:50pm on Sunday, June 24, to a fire at a flat in Appleford Road, W10.

“Officers, LFB and London Ambulance Service attended the location.

“The body of an adult was found inside the flat. Enquiries are underway to establish the identity of the deceased; gender has not been confirmed at this time.

“The flat has been searched and emergency services are satisfied that there and no other causalities.

“Enquires are underway by police officers from Kensington and Chelsea working alongside colleague from London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire.

“At this early stage the incident is being treated as suspicious.

“Cordons remain in place, and a number of neighbouring flats were evacuated as a precaution.

“There has been no arrest. Enquiries continue.”

A spokesman for the LFB said: “Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers were called to a fire at a block of flats in Appleford Road in Ladbroke Grove.

“The first floor of a maisonette on the ground and first floors of the building was destroyed by fire. Sadly one person was found dead at the scene by crews wearing breathing apparatus.

“The Brigade was called at 2.33pm and the fire was under control at 3.40pm. Fire crews from North Kensington and Paddington fire stations attended the scene.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation by the brigade and Metropolitan Police Service.”

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Joe Mellor

Head of Content

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