UK: Bells ring out in tribute to Grenfell fire victims

Britain marked the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower apartment block fire as London church bells rang 72 times, each one a tribute for the victims.

Sunday marks three years since a small kitchen fire in the west London public-housing block turned into the worst domestic blaze in the country since World War II.

The fire spread rapidly and engulfed the 24-storey building, shocking the nation and prompting a widespread investigation into low-cost, flammable cladding at high-rise buildings.

Over 80 churches across London rang out at 6pm (BST), including St Clement's Church, which opened its doors at 3.00 am on 14 June 2017, to act as a relief centre in response to the Grenfell Tower fire.

Green lights will glow from tower block windows to show solidarity with survivors and the bereaved.

A public inquiry into the disaster was paused in March because of the coronavirus pandemic and is due to restart in July.

Police have said that no one is likely to face criminal charges until 2021.