A Syrian refugee who came to London "to find safety" has died in the devastating Grenfell Tower fire.

Mohammed Al Haj Ali died in the blaze in west London on Wednesday (June 14) that has so far claimed 17 lives.

Tragically, the 25-year-old had fled the war in Syria for a better life in the UK.

On Thursday, charity Syrian Solidarity Campaign confirmed Mohammed had died in the blaze.

They said on their Facebook page: "RIP Mohammed Al Haj Ali. A Syrian refugee in the UK, Mohammed passed away in the #Grenfell tower fire yesterday.

Mohammed Al Haj Ali is the first victim to be named following the Grenfell Tower fire

"We are heartbroken for his family, who thought he had found safety in the UK. To Allah we belong and to him we shall return."

A friend of his said in a heartbreaking statement: "He survived Assad, he survived the war, only to be killed in a tower block in London, there are no words."

He also reportedly sent a message to his family saying, "the fire is here, goodbye", according to The Telegraph.

It is believed that Mohammed lived in the tower block with his brother Omar, who is thought to be in hospital.

The charity said on Wednesday: "Please pray for our brothers Omar Alhajali and Mohammed Alhajali, two Syrian refugees. They were in the building fire in London yesterday. Both were set to come to our Iftar this Saturday.

"Omar was found in the hospital and he is in stable condition but his brother Mohamed is still missing and his family do not know his whereabouts.

"Please ask the nearest hospital to you or anyone you know working as NHS staff in London to find Mohammed Alhajali (red T-shirt)."

Another refugee organisation, Gent4Humanity, said: "Mohammed fled Syria for a new life of safety only to die in a fire that should not have happened.

"Please spare a thought for his brother Omar who survived, and the rest of his family who are now grieving."

Sniffer dogs have been sent into the block to find the bodies of victims as it was announced the death toll has risen to 17.

Seventeen people remain in critical care in hospital.

You can follow our live blog for all the latest updates on the fire, including efforts to support and rebuild the lives of those affected.

Get West London has also set up a JustGiving page in aid of those affected.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/grenfell-tower-support .

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