Grenfell Tower fire: Man arrested after posting pictures of dead body to Facebook
At least 17 people are known to have died with the death toll expected to rise
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 43-year-old man has been arrested over allegations he posted pictures of a Grenfell Tower victim on social media.
Images were posted of what appear to be a partially-covered body following the fatal blaze in north Kensington, west London.
At least 17 people are known to have died after fire ripped through the 24-storey building in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The Metropolitan Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of sending malicious communications and obstructing a coroner.
Officers confirmed the arrest relates to the fire at Grenfell Tower and the man is in custody at a west London police station.
One man told BBC News he believed the photo showed his brother, Mohammed, who is missing.
"This morning we saw a picture of his dead body on social media, and the police didn't know anything about this. This picture shouldn't have been released on social media. The police are saying they couldn't tell us anything until they have more information," he said.
As many as 79 people were taken to six hospitals across the capital as the devastating blaze ripped through the tower block on Latimer Road.
The death toll is expected to rise as investigators trawl through the wreckage in the search for other victims in the tower’s 120 flats.
Dozens of residents remain unaccounted for and London’s fire commissioner Dany Cotton said it was impossible to say how many victims had died in the blaze.
Specially trained dogs are now being prepared to be sent into the building to identify any evidence of people remaining in the building’s flats, though authorities say it is unlikely more survivors will be found.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments