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Piers Morgan has likened the Grenfell Tower fire to the 2001 terrorist attack on New York.

The Good Morning Britain presenter compared the devastation caused by the huge blaze in west London to that caused by the planes hitting the Twin Towers.

As he watched footage of the falling debris, Piers feared that the building would collapse in a similar manner to the towers in New York on September 11.

The fire brigade have confirmed there have been fatalities after flames engulfed the 27-storey tower block in west London overnight.

(Image: Rex Features)

(Image: Getty) (Image: Rex Features)

Speaking this morning, Piers said: "We're seeing a lot of debris falling. I’ve got to say this is eerily, horribly reminiscent of what we saw after 9/11, which was obviously caused in that case by a terror attack.

"But an attack on a very large tower building where we had very similar scenes afetrrrwards.

"The reason I think it's significant to see so much debris falling is that there must be fears now that this building will collapse like the Twin Towers did.'

(Image: Rex Features) (Image: Getty)

Piers described how he came into work at 4.30am to see the "raging inferno" from the GMB studios.

Speaking over footage of the burning building, he added: "We saw similar scene of jet black smoke and the fire continued to rage and quite quickly those towers in New York began to come down."

Piers was joined by fire investigator Dr Peter Mansi, and asked him why helicopters weren't being used to save those trapped in the building.

Dr Mansi explained: "Dropping someone from a helicopter would push the smoke and heat back into the building."

(Image: PA)

Good Morning Britain viewers were left shocked over footage of an elderly man trapped in the burning London tower block.

Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid admitted they felt "helpless" as they watched the partially blind man, who is reportedly in his 70s, for hours as they dedicate the entire show to the Grenfell Tower fire.

The man, who has been identified by relatives, is believed to have lived in the tower for 30 years and was been seen praying at his window as he awaits help on the 11th floor.

(Image: ITV)

Speaking over footage of the man, Susanna said: "He in his 70s, he's partially blind. He has lived in the Grenfell Tower for 30 years.

"Now we have seen him over the course of the last hour or so in contact with fire fighters."

The presenters have been joined by fire investigator Dr Peter Mansi for the duration of the programme.

Giving his opinion he said: "This could be where the fire is progressing to the unburnt materials and of course they are doing everything they can to stop it progressing to his flat."

(Image: ITV)

The elderly gentleman is reportedly still alive despite the black smoke getting a lot darker and thicker.

Speaking earlier on today, Piers Morgan said: "You feel just helpless. We’ve been watching this guy for hours.

"The fire fighters are doing all they can, it goes without saying they're risking their lives, some of them may have lost their lives we don't know.

"We’ve been watching this guy for hours. Is there nothing else we can do to help him?"

Piers added: "I’ve got to say this smoke now is a lot thicker and blacker. It's been burning for six hours. you’ve got to really fear for anyone in those upper floors that was not able to get out."

(Image: ITV)

The Good Morning Britain twitter account tweeted: "The elderly gentleman is now praying at his window as he waits for emergency services to save him # GrenfellTowerFire"

Viewers have taken to Twitter to express their shock over the distressing scenes.

One viewer said: "Heartbreaking for everyone to watch....!"

Another added: "This poor man, please get him out"

A third said: "God bless him ! Please get him out ! So sad !"