The Metropolitan Police has now confirmed the number of people dead, or missing presumed dead, following the fatal Grenfell Tower fire , has risen to 79.

Commander of the Metropolitan Police , Stuart Cundy said he believed that number may change.

He said: "As of this morning, I am afraid to say there are now 79 people that we believe are either dead or missing, I sadly have to presume dead."

"Of that 79, we have formally identified five people," he said.

"We are supporting the families and loved ones of each of those 79."

More than 200 firefighters were called to the scene of the fire in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday (June 14).

Commander Cundy added: "The search and recovery operation within Grenfell Tower continues.

"We are working closely with colleagues from London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service, and our specially trained police officers to, as swiftly as we can, recover those that have died."

He also said: "I think the nature of the fire and the intensity of the fire, may mean that there will be some people that we will not be able to indentify."

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