The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called for ‘action and justice’ in the wake of a fire in a block of flats in Valencia.

The fire, which was first reported on Thursday evening, has killed at least ten people.

Initial indications are that flammable cladding played a key role in allowing the fire to spread quickly and dangerously.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy. It is vital that fire services and governments learn lessons internationally. Had the UK government done so, many lives might have been saved in recent years.

“Early indications are that, as happened during the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Valencia fire spread quickly because of flammable cladding, and that lives have been lost as a result. Once again, we see the profits of developers being prioritised over human life.

“The Fire Brigades Union extends its solidarity to all of the residents of the tower and all the firefighters involved in the rescue operation. We demand action and justice, in the UK and abroad.”