Britain left 'sombre' by tower inferno

Queen Elizabeth II said yesterday that Britain had been plunged into a sombre mood after the deadly London tower block inferno, as public anger swelled and dozens were still reported missing.

Furious residents heckled Prime Minister Theresa May and stormed the local authority headquarters on Friday, demanding justice for the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster which left at least 58 people presumed dead.

The head of state said a saddened country was showing resolve in the face of adversity and a determination to rebuild wrecked lives.

People write tributes on a wall near to the Grenfell Tower block in Kensington, west London, yesterday following the June 14 fire at the residential building. Photo: AFP

She stood for a minute's silence at the start of her birthday parade yesterday. "It is difficult to escape a very sombre national mood," she said in a message marking the event. "In recent months, the country has witnessed a succession of terrible tragedies," the monarch said.

"I have been profoundly struck by the immediate inclination of people throughout the country to offer comfort and support to those in desperate need.

Members of the emergency services work inside the charred remains of the Grenfell Tower block. British police said yesterday that 58 people were now assumed to have died in the blaze. Photo: AFP

"United in our sadness, we are equally determined, without fear or favour, to support all those rebuilding lives so horribly affected by injury and loss."

Services on the London Tube railway line that runs above ground close to the tower were suspended yesterday, London Fire Brigade said.