British Prime Minister Theresa May says she is deeply saddened by the loss of life in a fire at a London tower block which killed at least six people and injured more than 70 others.
Fire engulfed a 24-storey housing block in central London in the early hours on Wednesday in an inferno that trapped residents as they slept.
"The prime minister is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in the Grenfell Tower and is being kept constantly updated on the situation," a spokesman said.
"The PM's thoughts are with all of those affected by this terrible incident and the emergency services, who are working tirelessly in very difficult circumstances."
May has asked for a cross-government meeting, chaired by police and fire minister Nick Hurd, to take place at 0100 AEST on Thursday to co-ordinate the response and make sure the government is ready to help emergency services and local authorities, he added.
Hurd has spoken to London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Steve Apter to assure him that the government will offer assistance.
The minister said: "My thoughts are with the residents and families of everyone caught up in this dreadful event. London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police have confirmed there have been fatalities and I extend my condolences to their loved ones.
"The search and rescue operation is still going on and I wish to commend the brave actions of firefighters and other emergency responders who arrived at the scene within minutes and have been at the scene throughout the night.
"I should like to stress that this is an ongoing incident and I would urge anyone in the area to stay away from the scene and follow the directions of the emergency services."
