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Furious residents shouted out in frustration as Sadiq Khan visited the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire today.

The London mayor was heckled by a young boy on a man's shoulders as he descended on the scene with a heavy police presence.

TV footage showed the boy shouting: "How many children died? What are you going to do about it?"

The youngster added: "I can't hear you!"

Mr Khan tried to reassure the crowd, telling the boy: "I know it's upsetting and I know you're angry. We'll get those answers".

But another woman heckled "someone needs to be held accountable", adding: "These deaths could have been prevented."

(Image: Getty) (Image: AFP) (Image: AFP)

When Mr Khan said answers were needed now, she agreed: "Now. Not a year from now, not two years from now, we need them now."

The crowd and large numbers of police packed tightly around Mr Khan, who warned volunteers were "frustrated" and survivors were "angry".

A third local heckled the Labour mayor over his past lack of support for Jeremy Corbyn - but was told by a fellow resident: "Shush man! Oh my God, there are bigger issues, relax!"

The atmosphere appeared tense as one man was led away by police as the London mayor arrived.

Mr Khan agreed the public inquiry into the disaster - announced today by the Prime Minister - should be "full and independent".

(Image: SWNS)

The disaster killed at least 17 people, with many more dead expected in the tower's 120 flats.

Concerns have been raised that the design of the 24-storey building in west London - including cladding outside - could have sped up the spread of the blaze.

MPs today warned hundreds of thousands of tower block residents will be frightened in their homes and demanded clear advice in case there is another fire elsewhere.

Mr Khan hugged locals as he faced their blunt claims they had been ignored by the authorities.

One female resident of the area in west London called for sprinklers and more than one emergency exit in each block.

Mr Khan told locals and the media: "Understandably the residents are very angry and concerned and have genuine questions that demand answers."

(Image: Getty)

He added: "I've met residents and friends and family angry at the lack of answers as to what help the council can provide them.

"It's really important the council provides housing to those residents who have lost their housing."

The visit came hours after one by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Prime Minister Theresa May also visited the area but on a private visit with firefighters and was condemned for not meeting any residents.