London flats evacuated over fire fears

Thousands of residents from 650 London flats were evacuated on Saturday due to fire safety fears in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, but dozens refused to leave their homes, according to local officials.

Four of the five Chalcots Estate towers in Camden, north London, were deemed unsafe after they were found to use cladding similar to that on Grenfell, widely blamed for the rapid spread of the massive blaze last week that has killed over 79 people.

Some 27 high-rise buildings in 15 local authorities have already failed urgent fire tests conducted after Grenfell, the government announced on Saturday, raising fears thousands may need to leave their homes.

Residents faced chaos, with temporary accommodation offered in a local leisure centre and hotels, but some refused to move.