St Albans takeaway donates more than 200 food portions to Grenfell Tower victims

Chef Janu Miah making up biryanis (Image: Archant)

Victims of the blaze, which engulfed high-rise Grenfell Tower on Wednesday, had taken refugee at a nearby youth centre called the Harrow Club.

At least 17 people have been killed and the death toll could rise to more than one hundred.

When Ahbab Ali, owner of St Albans’ Indian takeaway The Rice, heard the news his team whipped up more than 200 portions of a mixed rice biryani dish and sped down to the centre Wednesday night.

He said: “We were there all night and got back at 6am, handing out food to the unfortunate residents of Grenfell Tower and the volunteers that were helping and to the poor police officers who are doing a excellent job of keeping things in order.

Employees at The Rice wrote a message from St Albans to the victims (Image: Archant)

“Last night I saw the best display of unity I have ever seen from those affected by the fire and the lovely people helping and volunteering.”

Ahbab added that seeing it first hand was much more poignant than seeing pictures and news reports.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to all the families affected and to those who have lost a loved one.

“Having the privilege of owning a takeaway meant that I was in a position to make a small gesture like this and so I thought I would do it on behalf of St Albans.”

The Rice donated more than 200 portions (Image: Archant)

He extended a special thanks to his chef, Janu Miah, who “worked his socks off” to make the donation possible.

Grenfell Tower was built in 1974 and had 24 floors - it has been alleged that a materials used during a renovation last year may have contributed to the ferocity of the fire, which spread upwards at an unprecedented pace.

Six hospitals across London have treated about 80 people, of which 12 are still in a critical condition.

Its cause is still unknown and PM Theresa May has promised an investigation into the tragedy.