Transport for London (TfL) has suspended travel on parts of the Circle Line – one of the busiest tube lines - due to safety concerns that debris could fall from the charred remains of Grenfell Tower.
TfL has partly suspended the Circle Line service between Aldgate and Edgware Road because of “planned engineering works and the recent fire in the Latimer Road area”, as outlined in TfL’s official status announcement.
A sign at Ladbroke Grove station said that the service had been halted “..owing to the safety of the Tower”.
Ladbroke Grove is the nearest Tube station to Grenfell Tower – the 27-storey block of flats which was destroyed early on Wednesday morning in a devastating blaze.
The Hammersmith and City Line has also been temporarily closed between Edgware Road and Hammersmith as a result of the fire.
Decision taken at request of London Fire Brigade
The decision to close the lines was taken by TfL "at the request of the London Fire Brigade".
A spokesperson for TfL told MailOnline that the transport service had not received such a request “in living memory”.
The stations closed at 11.20 am and it is unclear when they will re-open.
It took more than 250 fire fighters and 40 engines more than two days, to bring the fire at the housing block under control.
58 people are presumed dead following fire
Police revealed today that more than 70 people remain missing after the fire and 30 have been confirmed dead. Police announced on Saturday afternoon that 58 people are presumed dead.
Commander Stuart Cundy made an announcement to the media, stating: "Sadly, at this time there are 58 people who we have been told were in the Grenfell Tower on the night that are missing, and therefore sadly, I have to assume that they are dead.
That number 58 may change. I really hope it won't, but it may increase."
Two protests have been held in London today, at which protesters shouted “Justice for Grenfell!”.
Prime Minister Theresa May has announced a £5m package dedicated to providing housing and support to the victims of the fire.
The rapid spread of the fire, which tore through the building in minutes, has been blamed on the use of combustible cladding material used in the construction of high-rise buildings.
The North Kensington Tower Block was managed by Kensington and Chelsea Council, providing affordable social housing to local residents.
A criminal investigation has been launched over the fire, but it has been confirmed that the full findings will not be released until after inquests of victims are delivered. It is expected that the enquiry may take several years.
