The Grenfell Tower inquiry descended into chaos Tuesday afternoon as a woman collapsed after footage of the burning building was shown on screen without warning.

The film had formed part of a commemoration to the Choucair family, three generations of whom were killed in the blaze, but inquiry staff were supposed to notify those in attendance - including many survivors and bereaved relatives - before images of the tower appeared.

Instead, phone camera footage flashed on both screens at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in south Kensington, showing flames engulfing the block.

Huge distress instantly washed over the room and many of those affected could be seen burying their faces in their hands. People then began flooding from the room in tears and their cries could be heard from the hallway.

Bernard Richmond QC, counsel to the inquiry, was forced to pause the video. Several minutes later, he said: "Somebody has collapsed outside and is being dealt with, so if you could stay in the room that would be very helpful."