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The names of each of the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower fire have been read out to mark five years since the tragedy.
Faith leaders named all the residents of the west London tower block who died when their homes caught fire on 14 June 2017 at a service at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday morning.
Each group of names was followed by the congregation saying “forever in our hearts” – the phrase still emblazoned atop the remnants of the building.
Outside a van drove by with the words “Grenfell, 72 dead, where are the charges?” in protest over the lack of justice for families of the bereaved half a decade on.
The ceremony, attended by former prime minister Theresa May and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, began a day of commemorations.
On Tuesday afternoon there will be a 72-second silence led by members of the community at Westfield shopping centre – just over a mile away from the tower.
Again the names of victims will be read out, this time on a microphone system throughout the shopping centre.
Later on Tuesday evening a multi-faith vigil will be held outside the tower block, with some community members angry the Westminster service took precedent over their own, more inclusive ceremony.
The usual cordon around the building will be removed to allow people to lay wreaths.
The Dean of Westminster David Hoyle led the ceremony
A community choir dressed in Grenfell green sings at the Westminster Abbey service
In the evening the tower will be lit up in green – the colour residents have chosen to represent their memory – as it was overnight to mark the exact moment the fire started.
A silent walk will also take place, with firefighters forming a guard of honour to protect those involved.
It was attended by London Mayor Sadiq Khan
Politicians in charge at the time of the fire Theresa May and Michael Gove were also there
Natasha Elcock, chairwoman of campaign group Grenfell United, said: “This week will be a difficult week for everyone affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
“For many of us the events five years ago are still so raw in our minds and our losses remain heavy in our hearts.”
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