Funeral held for Grenfell victim Mohammad al-Haj Ali

The first person named as a victim of the Grenfell Tower disaster has been laid to rest after a packed funeral service today.

Mohammad al-Haj Ali was remembered as "a loving and caring person" in a tribute from his family after the emotional service.

The Syrian refugee, aged 23, had come to the UK to build a new life but instead died in the fire after becoming trapped in his flat.

His funeral was held at the Whitechapel Mosque in east London, attended by his family and the mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

In a joint statement read out by a family friend, Mr al-Haj Ali's relatives said: "he never forgot to tell how much he loved us".

They added that he "loved London and loved the people he met here", and had begun pursuing his dream of studying engineering.

Once the ceremony was over, Mr al-Haj Ali's coffin, covered in a green Islamic shroud with a verse from the Quran upon it, was placed into a black hearse to be taken for burial at the Gardens of Peace Muslim Cemetery.

Mr al-Haj Ali's parents were only able to attend his funeral service after the Home Office supported them in getting an emergency visa. Tens of thousands had signed a petition calling them for them to be granted access.

Ahead of the funeral prayer, chairman of the mosque Habibur Rahman told the service that they "will be praying for everyone that lost their lives in the fire".

"We are joined in this funeral service today by the family of Mohammad. Both his parents are here and his brothers and sisters. We give our deepest condolences to them," he said.

Police have said at least 79 people died in the disastrous tower fire, and there are fears the number could rise further.

Only a few people, including Mr al-Haj Ali, have been formally named as among those killed.