News / Society

Protesters chanting 'we want justice' storm town hall in London

Friday, 16 June 2017 4:00 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 16 June 2017 5:49 PM ]

People gather outside Kensington Town Hall on June 16, 2017, to demand justice for those affected by the fire that gutted Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in west London on June 14.

Several hundred protesters angry at the British government’s handling of the deadly Grenfell Tower fire have stormed a town hall in western London.

The demonstrators barged their way into the lobby at Kensington and Chelsea council town hall on Friday afternoon while chanting, “We want justice.”

The protesters scuffled with security guards in the lobby of the building. They shouted, "We want justice!", "Shame on you!", "Bring them out and "Killers!".

People gather outside Kensington Town Hall on June 16, 2017 to demand justice for those affected by the fire that gutted Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in west London on June 14. (Photo by AFP)

A protest rally began at Grenfell Tower in western London and is headed towards Kensington and Chelsea town hall, where another protest was already taking place.

The protesters were chanting in chorus,“We want answers. We want justice.”

Hundreds of people held a demonstration outside Kensington and Chelsea town hall holding handmade signs reading "Justice for Grenfell".

Some protesters left the building though others remained inside. Several dozen police, including mounted officers, were in attendance. The demonstrators were angered when no one from the council came out to address their concerns, according to reports.

Police announced on Thursday that they had opened a criminal investigation into the blaze, which engulfed the 24-story apartment block on Wednesday, leaving at least 30 people dead and several more injured.

But dozens of more people, including entire families, are still missing, raising the fears that the final death toll might cross 100.

"No justice, no peace!" the protesters shouted.

"I have friends in the tower and they are not telling us anything," Salwa Buamani, a protester, told AFP.

"We are not given information about our loved ones," she added.

"We are not here to trouble people. We just want answers," she insisted.

Protesters move inside Kensington Town Hall in west London on June 16, 2017.

British Prime Minister Theresa May visited hospital to meet the people injured in the incident on Friday but she is under fire for not meeting victims of the fire sooner.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk