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Grenfell tower fire: Anger and grief two years on

Politicians joined survivors at a number of events to remember of the blaze.

Saturday 15 June 2019 04:04, UK

Doves are released outside St Helens church
Image: Doves are released outside St Helen's church
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Survivors of the Grenfell fire and those who lost loved ones have held a vigil to mark two years since the disaster.

Thousands of people took part in a silent walk to remember victims after an impassioned call for accountability from rapper Lowkey.

Wearing a green scarf, like many others at the multi-faith memorial, grime artist Stomzy was among marchers in the shadow of the tower block in commemoration of the 72 men, women and children killed in the blaze.

People gather outside St Helens church, London, following a service to mark the two-year anniversary of the Grenfell Tower block fire
Image: People gather outside St Helens church, London, following a service to mark the two-year anniversary of the Grenfell Tower block fire
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks at a service of remembrance at St Helens church, London
Image: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks at a service of remembrance at St Helens church, London

Many taking part in the silent march carried Justice For Grenfell signs.

Commemorations began with a memorial service at St Helen's Church in the morning, followed by a private wreath-laying.

A 72-second silence, one second representing each victim, was held. The names of all of the dead were then read aloud.

Jeremy Corbyn attends
Image: Jeremy Corbyn attended events

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and communities secretary James Brokenshire laid flowers alongside bereaved relatives.

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Karim Mussilhy, whose uncle died in the fire, said it was important to stand together and continue campaigning because "we want to make sure the general public understand that the issues of Grenfell are still happening today".

Grenfell anniversary
Image: Thousands of people took part in a silent walk
Grenfell anniversary
Image: Many carried Justice For Grenfell signs

At the vigil artist Lowkey referred to rules around cladding: "Combustible and still legal, regulations feel feeble, this has to be a never again moment."

He said the community demands "truth, justice and peace for all of the lost ones".

Thousands gathered at the foot of the tower
Image: Thousands gathered at the foot of the tower

The silent march, which Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also joined, took place near the tower which was surrounded by white sheeting, with banners featuring the green Grenfell heart symbol and the words "Grenfell forever in our hearts" running across the four highest floors.

A large community mosaic, which has been worked on since before the first anniversary, was unveiled. It featured words including love, hope and unity.

Grenfell anniversary
Image: Many wore green scarves in remembrance
Grenfell anniversary
Image: A 72-second silence, one second representing each victim, was held

Friday marked two years since a small kitchen fire began in the residential tower in Kensington turned into the most deadly domestic blaze since the Second World War.

It left scores of families homeless and has triggered a public inquiry and a criminal investigation.

The inquiry's first report was due to be published in spring but has been delayed until October.

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