SAFETY advice has been issued to Herefordshire residents by the county's fire service in light of the London tower block blaze.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) has taken the measure following the fire which tore through 24-floor Grenfell Tower, in west London, killing six people, this morning.

Paying tribute to all those affected by the tragic fire, area commander, Mark Preece, said: "With this incident in mind, we would like to remind people of the actions they can take to ensure that they protect themselves and their families in the event of a fire.

"Working smoke alarms can provide the few vital extra seconds needed to escape in a fire, therefore it is so important that they are kept in working order and tested every week.

"Having an escape plan in the event of an emergency is vital.

"We would encourage people to prepare and practice their plan of action and ensure that escape routes are clear, which will help ensure a speedy exit.

"It is also important that people living in high rise buildings are aware and familiar with the buildings evacuation procedure."

If you require further advice on fire safety or would like to call the Community Risk Department to see if you qualify for a free Home Safety Check, call 0800 032 1155.

More information on fire safety can also be found at www.hwfire.org.uk