WITH the flames that engulfed Grenfell Tower in the early hours of the morning still smouldering, yesterday was a day for mourning rather than apportioning blame.

As the harrowing stories of survival emerged, including suggestions a mother was forced to throw her baby from a tenth-floor window, it is impossible to imagine the horror that unfolded as the North Kensington tower block became enflamed.

Beset by a sense of panic, residents ignored instructions to remain in their flats in order to run for their lives. Some perished in the flames, and the death toll is still set to rise.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those who have suffered, but eventually, searching questions will have to be asked about how this was allowed to happen despite repeated warnings that Grenfell Tower was unsafe.

Residents raised fire safety concerns four years prior to the fire and in February 2013 the Grenfell Action Group said that fire safety equipment had not been tested for 12 months.

Last November, the action group produced a blog posting stating “only a catastrophic event” would make people wake up to the dangers they were living with every day.

Were their complaints adequately addressed by Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, who manage the tower block of behalf of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea? Should the Government be doing more to protect those living in tower blocks that are now 40 or 50 years old? Are similar structures here in the North-East fireproof and safe?

They are crucial questions, and demand answers as a matter of urgency. The horror of the Grenfell Tower fire cannot be allowed to occur again.