Family of 'little angel' killed in Grenfell Tower fire demand justice

The family of a 12-year-old girl described as a "little angel" who died in the Grenfell Tower fire have said they will not rest until they get justice for her.

Jessica Urbano Ramirez has now been formally identified as one of those killed in the blaze, which claimed the lives of at least 80 people.

Her family said the news had left them "totally crushed" and they pledged to work for justice for Jessica and the others who died when the fire ripped through the 24-storey block of flats last month.

In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, they said: "We have received probably the hardest news any parents will ever have had to bear, over the past weeks we have been in a state of confusion and limbo. Now that she has been formally identified we feel totally crushed.

"Nothing will ever bring our little girl back, and we are angry that this should ever have happened to our little angel. We will not rest until we get justice for her and for the many other lives lost as a result of this crime.

"We will only feel justice has been served when the highest possible charges are applied to culpable individuals. We entrust this task to the authorities in the hope that we will not be let down."

Scotland Yard last week said it had "reasonable grounds" to suspect corporate manslaughter offences may have been committed.

In a letter to residents, the force said that senior figures from Kensington and Chelsea Council and the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation faced being interviewed by police.

Paying tribute to Jessica, her family said: "Our little girl was loving, kind-hearted and caring. She brought joy to everyone who met her and her laugh was contagious.

"Jessica will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of her family and friends and the many many people who didn't know her personally but have come to know her since that night of June 14.

"Her light will shine bright and will light our individual paths as we start to move forward into coming to terms with our loss and heartbreak."

They also thanked those who have supported them since the fire on June 14.

Earlier on Monday, the inquests of three victims were opened at Westminster Coroner's Court.

Dr Fiona Wilcox has now opened and adjourned a total of 41 inquests, all of which she has suspended while a public inquiry and criminal investigation are carried out.

Further inquests are expected to be opened later this week.

As family members listened on, the court heard how Eslah Elgwahry, 64, was found on the 23rd floor of the tower block and had to be identified by her dental records. It is believed she lived on the 19th floor.

Meanwhile, Joseph Daniels, 69, was found on the 16th floor of the building. He was identified by DNA.

The inquest of a third victim, a 35-year-old woman whose family asked for her not to be named, was also opened on Monday.

She was discovered on the 23rd floor of Grenfell Tower.

The preliminary cause of death for all three victims was recorded as "consistent with the effects of fire".

Dr Wilcox offered her "sincere condolences" to all of those touched by the deaths.

A total of 46 victims have now been identified.

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