June 16 2017 - 9:50AM

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London tower fire: First victim named as Syrian refugee Mohammad al-Haj Ali

Josh Dye
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The first victim of the Grenfell Tower fire in London has been named as Mohammad al-Haj Ali, a 23-year-old Syrian refugee.

Mr Haj Ali's friend and co-founder of the Syria Solidarity Campaign Abdulaziz al-Mashi confirmed the news, saying he had met Mr Haj Ali while working for the organisation, which promotes freedom, peace and democracy in Syria.

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London fire: how survivors escaped the inferno

The residents who survived the fire in London's Grenfell Tower reflect on the tragedy that killed at least 12 people, with another 78 in hospital.

Mr Haj Ali lived on the 14th floor of Grenfell Tower and tried to escape the deadly blaze with his brother Omar, who was with him in the flat.

But Omar "lost Mohammad on the way out", the Syria Solidarity Campaign said in a statement.

According to Mr Mashi, Mr Haj Ali studied civil engineering at the University of West London so he could return to Syria one day and help rebuild the country.

"He was kind, charitable and full of passion for his family. I can't believe he's not here," Mr Mashi told the Press Association.

While he was trapped in his apartment, Mr Haj Ali called friends and family at home in war-torn Syria, according to London's Daily Telegraph, before he sent one final message: "The fire is here now, goodbye".

Press Statement on the tragic death of Syrian refugee Mohammad AlHajali in the #GrenfellTowerFire. We offer our condolences to all victims. pic.twitter.com/pGNhE43NWy
— Syria Solidarity SSC (@SSCupdate) June 15, 2017

His brother Omar al-Haj Ali was found in hospital in a stable condition.

"Mohammad undertook a dangerous journey to flee war and death in Syria, only to meet it here in the UK in his own home," the statement said.

"Mohammad came to this country for safety and the UK failed to protect him.

"We absolutely agree that a thorough investigation into building regulations should take place immediately."

At least 17 people died when a fire ripped through the 24-storey residential tower block early on Wednesday morning. But there are fears the death toll could rise up to 100 people.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced a public inquiry.

with AAP