A massive fire, which has engulfed a high-rise apartment block in west London, has left at least 6 people dead and several others injured, police officials say.

The fire broke out in the 24-story Lancaster West Estate tower in the early hours of Wednesday when most of the residents would have still been in bed.

Massive flames licked up the sides of the block as 200 firefighters battled the blaze for hours along with 40 fire engines. Flumes of black and grey smoke were billowing high into the air over London hours after the blaze was sparked.

London Fire Brigade said the fire had engulfed all floors from the second to the top of the Grenfell Tower, where several hundred people lived on the Lancaster West Estate in west London.

At least 50 people have been taken to hospital so far, according to officials.

“We have now taken over 50 patients to five hospitals across London,” London Ambulance Service Assistant Director of Operations, Stuart Crichton, said.

Up to 600 people are believed to have been inside the building, but it is unclear how many managed to get out safely.

Source: Reuters