High-rise residents worried about the safety of building have been offered reassurance by the leader of Havering Council.

Forty fire engines and more than 200 firefighters tackled a blaze at the 24-storey Grenfell Tower, north Kensington, this morning.

Police confirmed six people died, but the number is expected rise after the fire started on the fourth floor and quickly spread.

Councillor Roger Ramsey said: “Havering Council passes on its sympathies to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic incident in north Kensington and our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.

“It is far too early to speculate on what has happened in the Grenfell Tower fire, what the cause was or what may have contributed to what has clearly been an unprecedented outcome.

“Havering Council has no tower blocks over fourteen stories, and all our blocks of flats have up-to-date fire risk assessments and regular fire safety inspections.

“Many of them have also received ad hoc inspections from the fire brigade over previous years. We are therefore confident that our blocks comply with necessary safety regulations.

“We have started a programme of inspections of the common parts and public areas of our buildings to ensure all fire safety requirements are complied with, including the removal of all rubbish or items that could create a risk.

“We will also be reminding residents of the need for care and caution when it comes to fire and not to engage in behaviours that increase the risk of fire or fire spread.

“The council will keep a watchful eye on the issues that come out from the investigation of this tragedy and work with the fire authority to ensure any changes that need to be made are carried out without delay so that we protect our residents where ever we can.”