TWO years to the day of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Bolton United Trades Council stood in silent tribute to 72 people who died in the blaze.

The fire broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in West London just before 1am on 14 June 2017.

It claimed the lives of 72 victims and a further 74 were hospitalised with their injuries.

Between £200 million and £1 billion of damage was caused.

Kevin Alsop, treasurer of Bolton Trades Council, said: "We're here to let the people of Grenfell know that it's not an isolated issue. It's a national issue. It's an issue that demads justice. We want to make sure that they know they are not alone. There are still people who don't have homes. There are still people who are suffering the trauma."

At 6.30pm on Friday, those assembled stood on the Town Hall steps holding large photos of those who died. As they did so, Mr Alsop read out their names.

At the same time, the Grenfell survivors held a similar vigil in West London.

Mr Alsop added: "We stand in solidarity with those people. It's important for us to know, and for them to recognise that we don't want this to be one of those  catastrophes that takes 30 years to resolve. We think the best way to do that is to keep it live."

The only ones watching the tribute were four young lads on their scooters.

"Did babies die too?"

"When did it happen?"

"What caused it?" they wondered.

Touchingly, they applauded the tribute.

Afterwards, those who attended the memorial went to Bolton Socialist Club for a debate titled: "Two Years On. No Hones. No Justice."